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THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 


By ROGER T. FINLAY 

Thrilling adventures by sea and land of two boys and 
an aged Professor who are cast away on an island with 
absolutely nothing but their clothing. By gradual and 
natural stages they succeed in constructing all forms of 
devices used in the mechanical arts and learn the 
scientific theories involved in every walk of life. These 
subjects are all treated in an incidental and natural way 
in the progress of events, from the most fundamental 
standpoint without technicalities, and include every 
department of knowledge. Numerous illustrations 
accompany the text. 

Two thousand things every boy ought to know. Every page 
a romance. Every line a fact 


Six titles — 60 cents per volume 


THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
The Castaways 

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
Exploring the Island 

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
The Mysteries of the Caverns 

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
The Tribesmen 

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
The Capture and Pursuit 

THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 
The Conquest of the Savages 


PUBLISHED BY 

THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 

147 Fourth Avenue New York 


THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 


THE TRIBESMEN 

















""Be poised his spear as he raised himself out of the water'" 


[See p. 144] 


The Wonder Island Boys 

THE TRIBESMEN 

BY 

ROGER T. FINLAY 


ILLUSTRATED 




THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 
New York 







Copyright, 1914, by 
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 



JlfH -6 1914 

©C1.A376286 
^-0 / 


CONTENTS 


L The First of the Tribesmen Page 11 

The first view of the savages. Excitement in their 
camp. The story of the boys. What they had accom- 
plished. Their home at the Cataract. The fifth 
expedition. In the savages’ country. Some of the 
mysterious events. “Angel” one of the party. The 
dense forest. The fight between the two tribes. Going 
closer to the battle ground. The wagon as a means 
of defense. Taking position on the shore of a stream. 
The defeated party retreating toward the wagon. Close 
view of the natives. The defeated tribe taking up 
position behind the wagon. The victorious party 
attacking the wagon. Eepelling the charge. The fight 
witnessed by the defeated tribe. 

n. Two Savage Attacks Page 23 

Their two foes. Preparing for the night. Poisoned 
arrows. Clearing away the brush. Angel restless 
during the night. John’s adventure as a scout. The 
shot in the darkness. The result. John’s second scout- 
ing expedition. Return of the warriors. The arrow 
and the cap. The reappearance. The volley. The 
slain warriors. The trophies. The different head- 
dresses. How tribes are distinguished. Determine to 
go forward. Trinkets of civilized people found on the 
battlefield. Camp the second night. Angel discerns 
the approach of a band. The Professor tries to estab- 
lish communications. Failure. A position of defense. 
The attack and repulse. The second volley. Charging 
the savages. Capture of a wounded chief and a war- 
rior. Treating the wounds. The chief advising his 
men not to attack.' 

III. A Third Attacking Tribe Page 35 

Difficulty in communicating with the chief. Examin- 
ing the chief’s pockets. Finding a photograph of 
George and Harry. Hunting the pockets of the slain 
1 


2 


CONTENTS 


warriors. The match box. John’s startled look. The 
monogram. Human hair. Its part in ornamentation. 
Scalps. Customs connected with human hair. Going 
forward. Surrounded by the warriors. The running 
fight. The yaks beyond control. The flight. The 
savages trying to outflank them. Warriors on all sides. 
The river in sight. A tributary to the West River. 
Getting the yaks under control. The wounded ani- 
mals. Heading for a peninsula. The mute captive. 
The siege. Instilling fear. Learning the chief did not 
belong to the attacking party. Consternation on dis- 
covering that the attacking party did not belong to 
either of the parties who first attacked them. 

IV. The Escape. Encountekinq Another Hostile 

Tribe Page 48 

War among the natives. John’s ability with the gun. 
Cooped up in the peninsula. Recollection in animals. 
A dual self. Memory. No attack during the night. 
The savage attempt to starve them out. Planning to 
escape. Determine to build a raft. John and Harry’s 
night adventure after material. Crossing the tribu- 
tary to the north. Bringing in logs. The structure 
to imitate the wagon. Driving the team into the river. 
Floating the logs under the wagon. Crossing the 
stream. A safe passage. A good retreat. How the 
ruse affected the natives. The amused captive chief. 
Starting northward. The disapproval of the chief. 
Viewing a fight between tribes. Short of ammunition. 
An unexpected native village. Tlie startled warriors. 
Attacked by the natives. 

V. The Rescue of the Captive Boys Page 61 

The fight. Defeat of the savages. Charging them 
through the village. The large hut. A cry from 
within. American boys captive. Their own compan- 
ions. Weak and hungry. Taken to the wagon. Their 
terrible condition. The return of the savages. Feed- 
ing the famished boys. The second attack. The flank- 
ing parties. The first volley. Retreating toward the 


CONTENTS 


3 


river. Followed by the warriors. Outwitting the 
enemy. Flight of the wagon to the hill. A peculiar 
^pock formation. Discovery of a cave. Peculiar actions 
of John and the Professor. Their advice to go on. A 
hurried trip to the river. Arranging the weapon for 
defense. Fearing a night attack. 

VI. The Tale of the Rescued Boys Page 74 

Ralph and Tom. Cast ashore in the north of the 
island. Meeting a band of savages with a captive. 
Poison berries. Sickness. Hunting food. Captured 
by a tribe of natives. Peculiarities of the native head- 
dresses. Taken to the mountains. Escaped. Recap- 
tured by another tribe. Sacrificing prisoners. The 
round silver match box. Savage charms. Kindly 
treated by the second tribe. The second escape. Hunt- 
ing food. Starving. Trying to go back to the tribe. 
The mistake in going to the wrong tribe. How bold- 
ness saved them. The watch in possession of the chief. 
The initials J. L. V. Treated like brothers. Captured 
by another tribe in a fight. Their last captors. 

VII. The Escape ix the Night Page 85 

John’s search in the night. Return. Indicating by 
signs that no savages were in sight. Continuing their 
flight in the night. The course along the bed of the 
stream. John in the advance pushes through the 
underbrush. By motions indicates the possibilities of 
crossing the river. Finding driftwood. The raft. The 
launching of the wagon. Camping on the opposite 
side. Watching the savages. Deep streams. Shallow 
water courses. Savage strategy. Hunting for food. 
Coffee and corned beef. Woodchuck and pheasants. 
Discussing the wounded chief. Conclude to take him 
to Cataract. Taking up the march for home. Finding 
the direction of the south pole. The Dog Star Sirius. 

VIII. The Cataract and Its Marvels Page 97 

' The tramp through the forest. Wonderful effect on 
the rescued boys. New fruit and vegetables. The 


4 


CONTENTS 


rubber tree. Carricature plant. Sighting Observation 
Hill. The Old Flag. The change in John. Angel 
happy. The visit of the boys to the shop. The rambles 
about the place. A wonderful stimulus. Angel turning 
the grindstone. Appreciation. The Professor’s en- 
comium. Rearranging their quarters. Putting up new 
buildings. The barley thief. Making bread. The chief 
at Cataract. Crutches. The novelty to him. Learn- 
ing to walk. His amazement at the workshop. Trying 
to talk. Threshing barley. The grist mill. The home- 
made violin. Dancing. A religious ceremony. Dif- 
ferent national customs in dancing. 

IX. The Woek at the Cataract. Making Weapons. 

Page 110 

Dividing the work. Hunting vegetables. Securing 
game. Cultivating the garden. Making clothing. 
Footwear. John making lasts. Ramie fiber. Prepar- 
ing more weapons. Angel’s new suit. New ores and 
minerals. Cinnabar. Quicksilver. Poisons from mer- 
cury. The boys’ trip to Observation Hill. Angel’s 
gun. The talk of the boys. Desire to survey the 
island. Telling the rescued boys their story. Savage 
traits concerning property. Locks. Doing work on 
holidays. Recreation. The instruments for surveying. 
The boathouse. Chief and the spear. His dexterity. 
How the chief held the spear. The chief and the bolo. 

X. Unawares in the Enemy’s Country Page 125 

Observing the heavens. Degrees and what they mean. 
Angles. Calculating position by the stars. The moon 
as a factor by night. Tlie fixed stars in the moon’s 
path. Determine to recover the wrecked boat. The 
boys inaugurate the trip. A jolly lark. Through the 
forest. The alarm in the night. The attack of an 
animal. Missed. Sighting the West River. Miscal- 
culation. Discovering their former tracks. In' the 
savages’ country. The chatter of Angel in the trees. 
The alarm. Savages. Eluding them. Escaping to the 
north. Discovered by the natives. The pursuit. 


CONTENTS 


5 


XI. The Ruse to Escape their Pursuers Page 136 

Preparing for defense. Appearance of the savages. 
The charge. Repelling the attack. Driving the team 
ahead. Harry and Tom as rear guards. Harry’s in- 
junction to force the team on rapidly. The warriors. 
Turning to the east. Eluding the enemy. The rush 
for the river. Crossing. The savages at the river. 
Reinforcement of the pursuing party. The ruse leav- 
ing the river. Hiding the wagon. Returning to the 
river. The two warriors swimming the river. Their 
surprise. Their effort to escape. Recognizing the sav- 
ages as the captors of the boys. Consternation in the 
camp of the enemy. Determining to recross the river. 
The flight to the north. Recrossing. Return home. 

XII. The Problem About the Cave Page 149 

Their happy reception at the Cataract. Why their 
observations of the moon led them astray. Distin- 
guishing fixed stars. How Angel fought the savages. 
Individuality. The chief an enigma. How he used 
the grindstone. His interest in machinery. The yard- 
stick of the heavens to measure degrees. The Con- 
stellation Orion. The new calf. Milk and butter. The 
mysterious visit of the chief to the clay banks. Eating 
clay. Observations by Ralph and Tom. The clay 
eaters of the world. The cave and the treasure. The 
Professor refuses to take a share of it. Determination 
of the boys. Harry and George go to the cave. Go 
back for Ralph and Tom. 

XIII. The Accident to John and the Restoration 

OF Memory Page 160 

An island of abundance. Nuts and vegetables. Oils 
for illumination. Unripe fruit. How nature pro- 
tects her products. Eggs. How good and bad are 
determined. Gases formed within the shell. Building 
an addition to their home. Putting up the new build- 
ing. The accident to John. A terrible wound in the 
head. Chief’s solicitude for John. Watching the 


6 


CONTENTS 


results of the injury. The human traits in the chief. 
Danger point of the fever. The wonderful difference 
in his eye. Recovers memory. A deep sleep. His 
first words. Aphasia. The brain center. His initials 
J. L. V. on the match safe. Recognizing the chief. 

XrV. John’s Wonderful Story Page 172 

Native of New England. Ran away to sea. Fortu- 
nately fell into hands of a humane captain. Became 
chief clerk. Learned navigation. The captain’s inter- 
est in him. The return. The meeting with the cap- 
tain’s daughter. The wedding. Sailing east with his 
wife in the captain’s vessel. A plague-infected port. 
Death of his wife. Leaving the accursed port. Death 
of the captain. Disposing of the ship. Travels through 
India. Enlists at Gibraltar. Serves in Matabela cam- 
paign. Goes to England. Is tutor to a Lord. Goes 
to Greece. Serves in two campaigns. Returns to New 
York. Enlists for campaign against Indians. Five 
years’ service. Goes to Egypt to conduct explorations. 
Returns fever-ridden. Accepts Professorship. Signs 
as Professor in the schoolship Investigator. Sickness 
prevents his sailing. Wanders to San Francisco. En- 
gages with friends to search South Sea Islands for 
treasures. Shipwrecked. Finding a cave. Captured 
by savages. Escapes. Meets with an accident. Loses 
all memory. 

XV. Chief and the Poison Plant Page 186 

How John’s story impressed them. How the boys 
entertained John with the stories of their adventures. 
Th? story of the yaks. John tells them how they 
could have controlled them with the different knots 
and hitches. The spectroscope. Light as a medium. 
The composition of the heavenly bodies. Tlie solar 
spectrum. The boys remember John’s story of the 
cave. His story confirming their knowledge about the 
savages. The concert with the flute and violin. Mak- 
ing glass for windows. Silver and mercury. Looking- 


CONTENTS 


7 


glasses. Amalgam. Making small glass mirrors fo.’ 
the inhabitants. The chief’s surprise at the mirrors. 
His contribution to the larder. The Amarylla. The 
poison plant. The boys’ suspicions of the chief. Good 
for food. Stomach or blood poisons. 

XVI. A Surprising Trip to the Cave Page 198 

Completion of the house. Furnishing it. The chief 
recovers health. Showing John the message from the 
lifeboat. “Waters” one of his crew. The mystery of 
the photograph. Information that others of the ill- 
fated Investigator were on the island. Reasons why 
certain tribes sacrificed white captives. A new expe- 
dition planned. Determine to go overland. Making 
new guns. Ammunition. The boys invite Ralph and 
Tom to visit the cave. The surprise of the boys at 
the skeletons and the treasure. Exploring the cave. 
A terrific roar. Alarmed. Determine to investigate. 
Finding the Professor and John. The surprise party. 

XVII. The Wonderful Portable Fort Page 208 

The boys ask John about his wonderful cave. The 
charted treasure caves. Seeing the treasure in the 
cave on the hill where the boys were rescued. An 
occupied cave. The medicine men. The two entrances 
and the cross-shaped interior. How the hoards were 
acquired. Piracy on the high seas. The gold and 
silver of the world. The precious metals taken to 
Europe by the Spaniards. Rushing work on the prepa- 
rations. The gun barrels. Chief showing the boys 
how to make and use the bows. The disappearance of 
chief. The invention of a portable fort. How it was 
made. Stocking the wagon. Experimenting with the 
fort. Necessity as the mother of invention. The 
improvements in the fort. A new suggestion. Using 
the fort as a raft. 

XVIII. Trailing a Warring Party of Natives Page 221 

Weight and gravity. Acting in all directions. Prov- 
ing the law of universal gravitation. Drilling with 


8 


CONTENTS 


the raft equipment. Grinding barley flour. Making 
sleeping mattresses. The bustle of final preparations. 
The good-by to their herd of yaks. The march to the 
falls. John discovers a log in the drift and a rope. 
The dense forest. Crossing the river to the south. 
Finding a camp fire with fresh bones. Numerous traces 
of inhabitants. A glowing fire. Following the trail. 
Trying to catch them before night. Efforts to capture 
one as a means of opening communication. Sighting 
the camp. Hurried consultation. Surrounding the 
camp of the natives. 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


“He poised his spear as he raised himself out of the water” 

Frontispiece 

PAGE 

“The main body of the savages broke for cover, but several, 
more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away 

the chief ” 22 

“ ‘ Come out into the light,’ and Harry and George each put 

his arms around one of the boys ” 70 

“ He started back in fright as his own image appeared to him ”.198 

The First Boat 14 

The Match Safe 37 

Scene of the Fight on the River 44 

The Wagon Raft 54 

Savage’s Hut 58 

Deep Stream 89 

Shallow Stream 90 

Salsify 98 

Rubber 99 

Carricature Plant 100 

Angel, His New Suit and Gun 113 

Poising the Spear 122 

Northern Hemisphere (Stellar Map) 126 

Southern Hemisphere (Stellar Map) 127 

Testing Eggs 162 

Rope Knots 187 

Rope Hitches 188 

The Color Spectrum 189 

Amarylla, Chief’s Poison Vegetable 195 

The Portable Fort 214 

Gravitational Pull 222 

Using the Fort as a Raft .223 


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THE TRIBESMEN 


CHAPTER I 

THE FIRST OF THE TRIBESMEN 

“They seem to be terribly excited about some- 
thing, and many of them are running back and 
forth,” said Harry, from his perch on the wagon 
top. 

George made his way back again in time to 
see a half dozen of the savages dart off into the 
bush to the left. They were from two to three 
miles distant when first discovered, so that it was 
difficult to make out their movements distinctly. 

The Professor could not see them clearly, so 
that he also took a position on the top of the wagon. 
“Do you see any movement to the left of their 
camp f ’ 

After gazing a while, Harry answered: “It 
seems that another party is coming up.” In a 
moment more he continued: “Yes, and they ap- 
pear to be waiting in ambush for them.” 

George Mayfield and Harry Crandall, together 
with an aged Professor, had been wrecked on an 
island, one year before the opening event in this 
chapter. They were attached to a ship training 
school that met with disaster in mid-Pacific, and 
when cast ashore had nothing whatever except the 
clothing they wore. 

By extraordinary energy they began an investi- 
11 


12 


THE TRIBESMEN 


gation of the surroundings and discovered many 
things which not only excited their intense curi- 
osity, but learned that the island was inhabited by 
one or more tribes of savages. In this helpless 
state, with no means of defense, and compelled to 
depend on nature for a supply of food and cloth- 
ing, they were truly in a pitiful state. 

The Professor was a man of profound learning, 
and knowing that such a condition must be met in 
a manner which would enable them to cope with 
the situation, gradually turned the attention of 
the boys to producing things of use, first making 
the articles most needed in their impoverished con- 
dition, and afterwards adding some wonderful 
things which enabled them to become bold enough 
to attempt the exploration of the island. 

A brief review of the situation was this : The 
first consideration was food. A number of vege- 
tables were found, some of them well known, but 
in a wild state, as well as nuts and fruit. Barley 
was one of the cereals early discovered, and from 
that bread was made. Then ramie, a well-known 
fiber, was found in the early days of their occu- 
pation, as well as flax, and a wild species of hemp. 

They were surprised to find various ores, clay 
and slate, and with these began a series of experi- 
mental work which was wonderful in its character, 
as every part of the work had to be carried on 
with the most primitive sort of tools and appli- 
ances. 

Among the first adventures in the field of mak- 
ing the useful necessities was the construction of 
a water wheel; the building of a sawmill, from 


FIEST OF TRIBESMEN 


13 


which lumber was turned out to make their dwell- 
ing; a loom was put up which enabled them to 
weave clothing ; and, finally, a wagon, which arose 
from the desire to utilize a herd of yaks, which 
they succeeded in capturing. 

Before the present adventure a number of use- 
ful articles and tools had been made, among which 
might be mentioned, a lathe, a foundry, in which 
they turned out articles in iron and brass, and 
this gave them an opportunity to make first a few 
pistols, and lastly, several guns, with which the 
present expedition was equipped. 

All these things interested the boys, and they 
took delight in every part of it, and it gave them 
satisfaction to see the results of their work on 
every hand. But that which attracted them more 
intensely were the series of exploits which brought 
to light the hidden mysteries of the island, and 
which caused them to name it ‘‘Wonder Island.” 

Four exploring trips had been made by land, 
and one by sea in a boat which had been specially 
built for the purpose, and this vessel was wrecked 
shortly after they had discovered the location of 
the savages. In the previous expeditions they saw 
mysterious lights, and had evidences of human 
beings by the camp fires used by them. 

The first crude boat turned out was left at the 
foot of a high falls in a river to the south of their 
home, and after the return the boys set out to 
get the boat. It was missing, and recovered sev- 
eral months afterwards, but to their surprise, when 
found, it had two oars and rope that were placed 
there by some one. 


14 


THE TEIBESMEN 


On returning from one of the trips their flag- 
pole and staff, which was put up on a high point, 
called Observation Hill, was missing. Later on a 
gruesome skeleton was found on the seashore not 
far from Observation Hill, and the wrecked por- 
tions of a boat, and to this may be added the dis- 
covery of a lifeboat, similar to their own, among 



debris on South river, fully ten miles inland, 
which must have come from the interior. 

In this boat was found, accidentally, a note writ- 
ten by a captive in distress, showing that some of 
the party had been taken by the inhabitants of 
the island, and this occurrence determined 
them the more to put themselves in condition to 
aid the captives. 

The last important development grew out of the 
finding of a cave, or a series of caverns, not far 
from their home, which contained numerous skele- 


FIRST OF TRIBESMEN 


15 


tons and a vast amount of treasure, showing that 
it was a pirates’ cave, but up to this time it had 
not been fully investigated in view of the more 
serious need of haste to relieve those who were in 
the hands of the savages. 

Shortly before leaving on the present expedi- 
tion, and after returning from the expedition by 
sea, which had wrecked the boat, they were sur- 
prised to find a man at their home, who had en- 
tirely lost his memory. This happened six weeks 
before the occurrence in the opening page, and 
during that time he had not uttered a single word, 
and seemed to be entirely unconscious of his sur- 
roundings. 

He was evidently a cultured man, but how he 
came to the island, or in what manner his faculties 
were lost, they could get no clue. He had proven 
himself to be harmless, and in many ways he was 
of great service to them, and was now with the 
party, this being the fifth day of the journey, and 
the distance from their home was from sixty to 
seventy miles. 

It should not be forgotten to mention Red An- 
gel. Over eight months before a baby orang- 
outan had been captured. He had grown rap- 
idly, and George, the elder of the two boys, had 
taken a special delight in teaching or training 
him, and the result was that the imitative quality 
of the animal made him useful to the party in 
many ways. Angel was with them also, and was 
the only amusing . element in their days of stress 
and tension. 

The condition before them at this time was one 


16 


THE TRIBESMEN 


of intense interest. For the first time since their 
arrival, savages had been seen. From the first 
view it was apparent that the party sighted were 
on the point of meeting a hostile tribe, and while 
it was their intention to journey west to the large 
stream called by them West River, it was con- 
cluded to remain at the present camping place 
until they could more fully observe the attitude 
of the natives. 

During two days previous the route had been 
through a dense forest, and they emerged from 
this only a few hours before, their object being 
to make their way to the river, as in the vicinity 
of the stream there was not much wood, and the 
land was covered with comparatively little under- 
brush. They felt that with the strongly built 
wagon, which had been purposely made with a 
large, thick body, it would be more serviceable to 
them as a means of defense than the woods, be- 
cause the forest would serve as places of conceal- 
ment for their enemies, while adding nothing to 
their security. 

The strange man, who, in the absence of his true 
name, was called John, noting the ditferent ones 
climbing to the wagon top, also made his way there, 
and gazed in the direction pointed out by Harry. 
He glanced toward the savages, and then looked 
wonderingly at the boys and the Professor. He 
did not appear at all disturbed, nor did he ven- 
ture to indicate by any sign that he understood or 
comprehended any danger. 

And Angel, too, took a hand in the sights. He 
was beside George, and the latter pointed out the 


FIRST OF TRIBESMEN 


17 


savages, but if be knew wbat George meant bis 
face and actions did not show it. How little we 
know of tbe workings of tbe human mind, and bow 
should we know more of what passed in tbe mind 
of that animal as be listlessly viewed tbe scene 
which so much interested tbe others! We shall 
see, later on, bow Angel profited by tbe lesson 
which they tried to teach him. 

‘'They seem to be fighting; at any rate, I can see 
them going toward each other, and others running 
wildly about.” 

“Our better plan would be,” said the Professor, 
“to go up nearer. In that way we may be able 
to take advantage of their quarrel.” 

This seemed to appeal to the boys, and they 
were down instantly. The yaks had been unyoked, 
prior to this, but they were now hitched up in a 
hurried manner, and the wagon moved forward. 

A word now as to the equipment of the wagon. 
It had been made with unusually high sides, and 
was of thick boards, so that they did not fear the 
arrows which, undoubtedly, were the only form of 
missiles which would be hurled against them. 
Within were ten guns, each with a barrel twenty 
inches long, and a three-eighths of an inch bore. 
All were muzzle-loaders, as they had no facilities 
for making breech-loaders, so that it would be 
impossible to fire rapidly, after the first ten shots ; 
but they counted on being able to hold out against 
a pretty strong force of savages, armed as they 
were. 

The wagon went forward slowly, and was kept as 
much as possible within the sheltering range of the 


18 


THE TEIBESMEN 


underbrusli. All were in the vehicle, as its height 
gave them a better view, and in case of a surprise 
all would be guarded and safe. 

It was somewhat of a relief to note that directly 
ahead of them was a small stream, one of the 
tributaries of the West, and before reaching the 
open area near the river, the Professor directed 
the wagon toward a clump of brush, behind which 
the yaks were tethered. 

They were thus in a position where they had 
an ample water supply, and the Professor re- 
marked, that in campaigning two things were es- 
sential, one was food and the other water, and of 
the two water was of most value for a short period, 
at least. The yaks needed it, and as that was 
their means of transportation, every consideration 
must be given them. 

^^As we are now campaigning in earnest, we 
must have some system, and a thorough under- 
standing of what is to be done,” said the Profes- 
sor. ‘^A thorough watch must be kept at all times 
day and night. We must not separate, but keep 
closely together, and in watching just as much 
care must be taken of our rear and our flanks. We 
do not know from which direction these people 
are likely to spring up. Eemember, from our ex- 
periences night before last, this is territory over 
which they travel.” 

It should be stated that in the night referred to 
a band of the savages had passed their camp, 
going in the direction in which the wagon had 
taken, and they were of the impression that those 


FIRST OF TRIBESMEN 19 

discovered to the south of the stream were the 
ones who had come so near finding them. 

^^There is also another matter that should be 
considered. While we do not anticipate any dis- 
aster to our party, still we should at all times make 
provision for any separation, should such a thing 
take place. I estimate that we are now directly 
south of the mouth of West River, and that the 
sea to the north is from fifteen to twenty miles 
away. Now, let it be understood that in case we 
are defeated, or by any chance there should be 
any separation, the place of retreat will be toward 
the location of the wrecked boat, which is near the 
mouth of the river.” 

The great difficulty was to impart this to John. 
He was interested, in a peculiar sort of way, in the 
proceedings, and the Professor undertook to make 
the situation, as just explained, clear to him. For 
this purpose he made a chart to show the tributary 
stream on which they were encamped, flowing into 
the West River, and its course to the sea, 
and by pointing out the spot to the west of the 
river mouth, where the wrecked boat was landed, 
he hoped the course could be fully understood. 
This explanation seemed to be comprehended by 
him, but of this there could be no assurance. 

Meanwhile they had not for a moment forgotten 
to keep in sight the warring factions, for now that 
they were much closer the character of the meet- 
ing could not be misunderstood. 

^Hook at them,” cried George; ^The other tribe 
seems to be victorious. They are coming this 
way.” Such seemed to be the case. The retreat- 


20 


THE TEIBESMEN 


ing forces were coming directly toward the wagon, 
and the situation now began to take on a very 
grave aspect. 

‘^What shall we do, Professor, if they come 
on to nsf^ 

“We are here on a peaceful mission, and should 
fight only in self-defense,” was his reply. This 
did not exactly suit the spirit of the hoys, but they 
deferred to the wisdom of their friend. 

It was plain that the tribe first seen was de- 
feated and was being driven hack to the river, 
and the Professor advised them to prepare for 
any emergency. The camp was not more than 
one hundred and fifty feet from the edge of the 
river, and they had a plain, open view before them. 

Beyond the river was a hare shore, the shrub- 
bery did not grow near the water, so that there 
was an open space of fully three hundred feet or 
more on the other shore, thus giving them ample 
time to note and act, whatever the circumstances 
might be. The Professor hoped that the pursued 
might deviate from their path and bring them to 
the river below their camp, but in this he was dis- 
appointed, as the first of the savages made his 
appearance from the brush directly across the 
river, soon followed by a dozen or more, all in 
precipitous retreat. 

They now had the first close view of the savages. 
They were almost wholly naked, and had more the 
appearance of the North American Indians than 
of the South Sea Islanders, which their fancy had 
pictured them to be. Each carried a short spear 
and a bow, and the Professor called attention to 


FIEST OF TEIBESMEN 


21 


tlie apparent lack of arrows, as the bows were 
strung on their backs, and they carried the spears 
as though they depended on them for protection. 

think they have been beaten because they are 
out of ammunition. It will not take them long, 
however, to make up a supply, and it is possible 
that is what they purpose doing.” 

The victorious party now came in view. With- 
out waiting the defeated party dashed through the 
stream not two hundred feet below the wagon, and 
before they had fairly landed, espied the wagon. 
The surprise at seeing it was almost paralyzing to 
them for the instant. They sheered off down the 
stream, gesticulating wildly. 

The pursuers crossed the stream higher up, and, 
therefore, nearer the wagon. ‘Watch the party 
which has just crossed, so we can see what their 
course will be.” 

“They are circling around behind us.” 

As they did so the victors emerged from the 
stream and made direct toward the location of the 
Professor and his party. Here was a situation 
not counted on. The wise savages had calculated 
oh this chance to arrest the pursuers, and they 
showed wisdom in the move. 

“Now, boys, we must stop them, but do not shoot 
to kill at the first shot. Before anything is done 
I will try to stop them by peaceful methods.” 

The Professor, with a gun in his hand, suddenly 
stepped out from the brush, and held up a hand. 
It may well be imagined that an apparition was 
as startling to them as it had been to the others. 
They stopped for a moment, and then with a 


22 


THE TEIBESMEN 


whoop, fitted arrows to their bows, and darted for- 
ward. The Professor stepped back, and calmly 
said: ‘‘Now, boys, shoot low, and donT get ex- 
cited.” 

At the word, and before the savages had gone 
twenty feet, the boys and John leveled their pieces, 
and a volley rang ont. Several were seen to fall, 
but were only wounded, as they were at once taken 
in charge by their companions. The moment the 
first round was fired, the Professor ordered the 
relay guns to be grasped. But the savages, 
stunned by this change of affairs, did not wait 
for the second shot, but rushed back to the stream 
as fast as they could go, with the three wounded 
men. 

But where were the other savages? Had they 
seen the result of the fight? The Professor hoped 
that the result would be such as to win them over. 
They lurked at a distance beyond the wagon, and 
as the Professor advanced toward them and held 
up a hand, they continued to retreat. He beck- 
oned to them; but in spite of all efforts they re- 
fused to come near. 



'''The main body of the savages broke for cover, but several, 
more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away the 
chief* 


[See p. 32] 


• ' 



CHAPTER II 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 

To all intents and purposes they had two 
foes, one in front and the other in the rear. They 
possessed a fine position, however, due to the Pro- 
fessor’s foresight. The river was close enough to 
get the needed water for themselves and their 
yaks, and the thick clump of bushes, on the river 
side of the wagon, atforded protection for the ani- 
mals, while the wagon itself served as an admira- 
ble fort. 

They could not believe that the band which had 
been driven across, and which was now at their 
rear, would attack them, and it seemed that the 
present danger of a night attack might be expected 
from the pursuing party. Indeed, the actions of 
that tribe, after the attack, led the Professor to 
believe that they must expect a fight during the 
night. 

The wagon was now brought up close alongside 
the clump, and with their bolos a considerable 
space of the densest part of the brush was cut 
away, so as to form a retreat for the yaks, and 
thus assure them from harm by any attacks with 
arrows or spears. Before dark, Harry and John 
went to the river several times to bring water 
for the cattle and for their own uses, and with 
the extra boards which the Professor had wisely 
23 


24 


THE TEIBESMEN 


brought along, the principal portion of the space 
below the wagon body was closed up. 

When all had been arranged for defense all felt 
satisfied they could withstand a hundred savages 
armed with spears and arrows. One thing had to 
be considered, and that was, whether or not those 
people poisoned their arrows, as many races in 
southern islands do. 

As a further precautionary measure, all protect- 
ing bushes within two hundred feet of the wagon 
were cleared away, so as to afford an open view 
in all directions. 

Darkness set in, and the eternal stillness all 
about was oppressive. Two watched while the 
other two slept. John appeared in his element. At 
the least sign of disturbance in any quarter, his 
hand was up, and to further attract attention his 
hand would be laid upon the arm of his fellow 
watcher. 

Thus passed away the first half of the night, 
and then- for the first time Angel began to grow 
restless. George, who was asleep at this time, 
was awakened, as he interpreted AngePs actions 
with greater facility than the others. 

am sure from his actions that something is 
coming near us. See, he is motioning toward the 
forest side and not toward the river.” It did seem 
as though his perturbations came whenever 
George pointed toward the woods. 

To the watchers, there was no sound to alarm 
them, for fully a half hour, when John slowly 
moved his hand over to George, as he peered out 
to the north, and as he laid his hand on his arm. 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 


25 


arose and silently moved out to the end of the 
wagon, and slipped to the ground. George tried 
to restrain him, and immediately woke the Pro- 
fessor, to whom he related the circumstance. 

There was, indeed, a movement in their front, 
at the margin of the clearing. Forms appeared 
here and there, but the utmost quiet was observed. 
Suddenly the report of a gun rang out, and with a 
shriek, a form was seen to bound upwardly and 
fall, just as a shower of arrows fell against the 
wagon. 

The shot came from John’s gun, and he had 
fired from a position fully fifty feet away from 
the wagon, and this is what disconcerted them. 
They were expecting the defense to come from the 
wagon, and here was a shot, away from it, 
and it undoubtedly appeared to them that there 
must he a number of them defending it, to enable 
them to put watchers so far from the wagon. 

‘‘That was a shrewd action on the part of John, 
although it was a hazardous one, in case they had 
determined to rush us.” But the die is cast, and 
we must now fight it out.” 

John came back to the wagon, and took up the 
other gun mechanically. The Professor patted 
him on the back, as he again stole out. This time 
he boldly marched toward the fringe of the clear- 
ing, and the Professor urged Harry to run after 
and detain him, but he did not heed. 

He remained there a full hour before any sign 
was made by him, but at the end of that time he 
came back, and by signs indicated that the savages 
were back again. 


26 


THE TEIBESMEN 


‘^Which band do yon think has attacked ns f ” 

‘Tt looks to me as thongh the fellows who were 
pnrsned are the ones; what is that John has 
brought back 

He held something in his hand. It was an ar- 
row and a cap, the latter of which had blood on it. 
This was determined when a light was struck in 
the little compartment below the wagon top. 

^^Do yon think it is possible they could have got- 
ten these arrows since we saw them to-day f’ 

‘They undoubtedly manufacture them with 
great facility, and the lack of them this afternoon 
would be no indication that they would be without 
them to-night.” 

John’s intimation was right. They were seen 
beyond question, and without waiting for the in- 
itial shot, as before, they bounded across the open 
space, and the command was given to fire. The 
result of the shots was plainly seen. The rush 
ceased, and before the Professor could give the 
command for the second shot they reached the 
brush, and the ammunition was saved. 

When morning broke, three forms were recog- 
nized lying in the clearing, but there was no sign 
of the savages beyond. John, without waiting for 
the word, moved toward them, and taking their 
weapons and searching their scanty clothing, 
took something from each, and brought them to 
the wagon. 

The trophies brought by John were two pocket 
knives of English or American manufacture, and 
other small trinkets, such as any traveler might 
carry. 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 


27 


‘‘This is interesting,” said the Professor, as he 
looked over the articles. “How is it possible they 
got these articles unless from white people?” 

When Harry and John went to the river for 
water, the first thing that caught Harry^s eye 
was an arrow, which he carried back with him to 
the wagon and handed to the Professor. 

“I think,” said he, “there is another body lying 
over at the edge of the clearing, the one that John 
shot at the first attack.” 

The boys went over, after keeping a careful look- 
out as they advanced. They secured his cap and 
the bow and arrow. When they returned the Pro- 
fessor looked up, and announced that he had no 
doubt they had been attacked by both of the 
parties. 

“Why do you think sol” asked George. 

“For several reasons : First, the headdress of 
the two bands differs, as you can see by comparing 
the one you have just brought in, as well as the 
peculiar differences shown in the arrows. This 
is one you found near the river this morning, and 
was no doubt dropped by one of them at the time 
they attacked us, and it is exactly similar to the 
one you have just brought in. You will also 
notice that the three that were shot in the last 
attack have the arrows and headdress different 
from the others.” 

It thus appeared that by force of circumstances 
they had been thrown into the paths of these two 
warring factions, and had become the enemy of 
both. 

But now something must be done to carry out 


28 


THE TKIBESMEN 


the determination to rescue their fellows. How 
to reach the savages was the problem. They had 
shown hostility from the first. It was evident 
they were far from the usual habitations of the 
tribes. They must have their villages farther to 
the south and probably west of the present loca- 
tion. 

The only course was to go forward, in the hope 
that friendly relations might still be established, 
notwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances of 
the night. 

During the entire day there was not a sign of 
either of the parties. The Professor gave his 
views by stating that if they went forward at 
once the chances of getting into favorable com- 
munication would be improved, and if they could 
capture one of them it would go far toward put- 
ting them on the right track. 

They remained another night at the river, and 
early in the morning the stream was crossed and 
the course of the wagon directed to the south. In 
less than half an hour they came upon the scene 
of the fight between the two tribes which took 
place the day before. 

Here it was made plain that the two tribes had 
different weapons and dissimilar articles of cloth- 
ing, and numerous odds and ends were gathered 
in the hope that some clue might be discovered as 
to the white people who were, no doubt, on the 
island. 

Nothing of value in this direction was picked up, 
although there was confirmative evidence that the 
savages had in their possession trinkets which 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 29 

were taken from captives, and which made the 
necessity of their jonmey still more opportune. 

Directly to the front of them was a forest, and 
to the right an incline, rather free from wood, 
and the course was changed in order to gain the 
elevation. This was reached about four in the 
afternoon, and in another hour they were at the 
crest of the hill. This gave them an unobstructed 
view to the south and west, and there, in the dis- 
tance, was made out what appeared to he huts, or 
evidences of human habitations. 

The first care was to select a camping spot, 
which was as much in the open as possible, and 
the utmost care exercised to guard against sur- 
prises. 

But what had become of the savages in the 
rear! It was impossible to obliterate the tracks 
of the wagon, so they might be easily followed. 

^T believe the hostile attitude of the two warring 
parties is, after all, a factor in our favor, because 
if both try to follow us they are bound to again 
come into contact with each other, so we may 
be free from that worry.” 

^Tsn’t it likely that one or the other may send 
messengers to the village, if what we see beyond 
is any evidence, and thereby bring all of them 
against us !” Harry ventured to ask. 

‘‘That is a probability I have been considering, 
and our only course is to resist their attacks, and, 
as I have stated, endeavor to capture one of them, 
so we can establish communications.” 

Camp was made for the night, but there was 
no disturbance, and there was a visible relief in 


30 


THE TEIBESMEN 


the minds of all as morning approached and no 
signs of an enemy in either quarter. 

The yaks were hitched np shortly after break- 
fast,, and the long, sloping descent began. Angel 
was ahead swinging from tree to tree, and before 
they had proceeded a mile began chattering from 
the tree top, in his peculiar way betokening alarm. 
George ran np, called him down, and started 
forward. Angel followed, chattering more vigor- 
ously, and when George turned in another direc- 
tion he ceased, thus showing conclusively the direc- 
tion of the alarm, and it was well they profited by 
it, for now within fifteen minutes the savages were 
plainly seen. 

They came forward, fully fifty or more, work- 
ing their way cautiously along, and, no doubt, 
fully aware of the location of the wagon and its 
occupants. The crucial time had come, and 
George rushed back to the wagon, but before he 
had fully reached it a scouting party well in ad- 
vance of the main body came within hailing dis- 
tance. 

The Professor, as before, walked out from the 
wagon, and held up his hand as a token of peace, 
but to this they made no response, but continued 
their cautious forward movement, creeping from 
one vantage point to the next, and the wagon was 
then turned so that its rear end was toward the 
oncoming savages. 

Harry was directed to drive the team toward a 
cluster of bush at the right, and they were urged 
forward with all haste. The yak is a fast-moving 
animal, and started forward on a run, soon gain- 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 


31 


ing the shelter selected. It should be stated that 
when the team, which had been named Jack and 
Jill, was first broken in, the animals were taught 
to be driven by means of lines, and this was now 
of great service to them. 

With their bolos they cut out a space at one 
side of the undergrowth, into which the yaks were 
driven and thus afforded protection, and the guns 
were taken out and arranged in order to enable 
them to be readily handled. 

Before all preparations had been completed the 
main body came up, and all breathlessly awaited 
the attack. They halted several hundred feet 
away, and the Professor sought by means of signs 
to indicate his peaceful intent, but this did not 
have the least effect, as arrangement for an as- 
sault was manifested by the preparations which 
were now plainly perceptible. 

The Professor retreated to the wagon, and his 
cautioning words were : ^‘Do not fire excitedly or 
wildly, and be careful not to fire at too long range. 
Furthermore, shoot the leaders, or those who ap- 
pear to take the lead. Another thing, fire and 
reload. Do not take the loaded guns which are in 
reserve, because we may need them later on, at 
a more critical time. These will be very service- 
able if they attempt to rush us. In that event we 
shall have six guns and two pistols to meet them 
with.’^ 

Contrary to expectations no immediate attempt 
was made to attack, and the Professor again tried 
to attract them by signs. For a time no further 
hostile movement was made, and it began to look 


32 


THE TRIBESMEN 


as though his efforts would win; but suddenly, 
with a concerted movement, the bows were swung 
upward, and arrows began to fall dangerously 
near. 

As no movement was made on the part of the 
Professor and his party, the savages mistook its 
meaning, and a charge was made. ^‘Now deliber- 
ately pick your man and tire.” No sooner had the 
order been given before all tired, and four fell, two 
of them being, without doubt, the chiefs, as the 
howling was beyond all description. 

A second volley was not necessary. The two 
wounded men were surrounded and carried off. 
The others lay where they fell, and after a short 
pause another rush was made, this time much 
nearer to the wagon. It was fortunate that the 
pause was long enough to enable them to reload. 
On they came, and when within seventy-five feet, 
the Professor gave the order for another volley; 
At this distance there was no excuse for a miss. 
The leader was a powerful specimen, with a dis- 
tinctive badge, and the Professor announced that 
he intended to use him as a mark, and he was the 
first to fall, together with three more. 

Thus, at two shots, one-fifth of their fighting 
force was disabled. ‘‘Now let us charge,” said the 
Professor, and John divining the meaning was 
the first to leap from the wagon. The main body 
of the savages broke for cover, but several, more 
venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away 
the wounded chief. When one of them turned to 
discharge his arrow, John raised his gun to his 
shoulder, as each of them had taken one of the 


TWO SAVAGE ATTACKS 


33 


reserve guns, but before be could fire, the native 
turned and followed bis companions, leaving tbe 
chief to bis fate. 

Tbe rush with tbe newly loaded guns was ac- 
companied by sbouts on tbe part of tbe boys, wbo 
were instructed to do so by tbe Professor. ‘‘Don’t 
go far beyond tbe chief,” was his order ; “we need 
him, and you must not venture into an ambush.” 

Tbe boys did not dare to go far beyond tbe 
wounded man, and tbe Professor, with the aid of 
John, bad now come up to him, and together 
forced him to accompany him back to the wagon. 
He was wounded in both legs, tbe shot having 
passed through tbe kneecap of one leg and through 
the tendon of tbe other, thus completely putting 
him out of action. 

Wlien tbe boys returned from tbe charge they 
assisted in conveying him to tbe wagon, and tbe 
Professor at once applied bandages to bis limbs. 
This was getting an opportunity, at close range, 
to view one of their enemies. 

The shot proved to be a glancing one, so that 
tbe bullet was still in tbe tendon of tbe right leg. 
VTien tbe Professor applied tbe bandages tbe sav- 
age was surprised at the proceeding. He evi- 
dently expected different treatment, and glanced 
at his captors in amazement. During tbe first few 
minutes of these interesting details, tbe boys had 
entirely forgotten tbe savages, and the Professor 
called out a warning not to rest too securely. 

When tbe natives saw that the pursuit was not 
kept up they baited and slowly and cautiously, 
returned. It was evident that they were preparing 


34 


THE TEIBESMEN 


for anotlier fight. The wagon top was removed 
at one side, and the chief hoisted np and seated 
in plain view of his fellows, while the Professor 
directed the boys how to secure him in that posi- 
tion. 

The entire band now appeared at the edge of 
the wood, not two hundred feet away, evidently 
with the view to another attack. All the guns 
had now been reloaded, and with the chief with 
them they had no fear of an attack with arrows. 

The Professor placed himself before the chief, 
and by motions endeavored to inform the chief 
that if his men made any attack on them he would 
forfeit his life. The chief understood, and in a 
peculiar guttural tongue informed his men of the 
danger he was in. 

Without further incident they disappeared, and 
now began the effort to instil and extract informa- 
tion. He was entirely naked except a distinctive 
headdress and a breech cloth, of very peculiar 
workmanship. The color of his skin was not 
black, like the negro, but rather copper-colored, 
like the Indian, thus confirming the impression 
which was first obtained the night before. 


CHAPTER III 


A THIED ATTACKING TKIBE 

Theke was no common ground on wliicli to 
start the mnte conversation, and the only replies 
volunteered by him were occasional grunts. Not 
a groan escaped his lips when the Professor sought 
to remove the bullet, but he sat there stoically, 
and bore it without a sign. The boys could not 
help but admire his heroic mien throughout the 
trying hour, and when the bullet was finally cut 
out and the wound carefully bound up, it looked as 
though he tried to thank the Professor for the 
service. 

During the remainder of the afternoon the Pro- 
fessor persisted in the effort to gain some informa- 
tion, but not the slightest glimpse of intelligence 
was extracted. 

Finally George said : wonder if he has any- 

thing in those pouches! We found some things 
in the others, you remember.” This was a hint 
not to be overlooked. A search was made, and 
among numerous trinkets was a photograph of a 
dozen or more young men, and with a shout George 
recognized it as one which had been taken on 
shipboard several weeks before the explosion on 
board the Investigator, and which sent her to the 
bottom. 

George. and Harry were both in the picture, and 
were pointed out. Here was the very thing which 
35 


36 


THE TEIBESMEN 


was needed as a connecting link in tlieir interview 
with the <3hief. With the picture before him the 
chief was requested to look at George and then 
at the picture, and so in the case of Harry. The 
chief saw, and recognized the similarity, and his 
eyes opened in astonishment. This was a most 
remarkable discovery. 

When the Professor pointed to the others in 
the picture, and then to the chief, the latter seemed 
for the first time to comprehend, but he slowly 
shook his head and grunted, or made use of his 
own language to indicate that he had no knowl- 
edge of them. The boys were fairly wild with 
delight. 

‘Why not hunt the pockets of the other fel- 
lows shouted out Harry, as he scrambled over 
the tailboard. About a hundred and fifty feet be- 
yond were the two who had fallen at the first 
fire, and they were searched, but nothing in any 
way connecting them with tlieir companions was 
revealed, and later they went over the contents 
of the chiefs pockets with greater care. 

An American coin, a matchbox, and several 
other articles, which were apparently the relics 
of stickpins, were all that had any appreciable 
value. There was nothing on any of the articles 
which had a name or even the initials to give them 
a clue. As they were returning to the wagon 
Harry picked up a small silver match safe, and on 
this were the initials “J L V.” “Who is J L V? 
Did you know of anyone by that name!” 

“I don’t remember anyone by that name. The 
name is not an unusual one to begin with a V.” 


THIKD .ATTACKING TEIBE 37 

The Professor did not recall anyone by that 
name. The box was handed around, and when 
John saw it, he started as though he had been 
struck. He reached for it and almost grasped it 
from the Professor’s hand, and turned it over and 
over, and glanced at the initials, and then looked 
at the Professor, and then at the boys, and his 
eyes ceased their wanderings as he gazed at the 
chief. 

Could it be possible that his name was John L. 
Y.? Was that his match safe? What a wonder- 





ful possibility lay in these two happenings which 
came so close together! 

The chief, too, looked at the match safe, and 
when the Professor pointed to John and then 
directed the captive’s attention to the match safe, 
he did it with the view of ascertaining whether 
or not he had ever seen John. But to all these 
questionings the savage shook his head and 
grunted a plain negative. 

A careful watch had been kept during the entire 
day, in the hope that the savages would reappear, 
and that the treatment of the chief would be such 


38 


THE TEIBESMEN 


as to predispose him in their favor, and thus open 
the way to obtain such information as would be 
of service in aiding their companions. 

As night approached preparations were made to 
guard against any night attack, and the prisoner 
was securely hound to prevent him from obtaining 
any of the weapons. One singular thing about all 
of the headgear and other articles of wear was 
the profusion of human hair, which was worked 
into many of the garments or formed a prominent 
decorative feature. 

George was the first to notice this peculiarity. 
^‘Why is it that most savage tribes take human 
hair or scalp their victims 

“The North American Indian was noted for the 
custom of taking the scalp of his enemies. It 
probably grew out of the desire to use the locks 
for the purpose of decorations, just as you see in 
the case before you. In olden times it was the 
custom of the vanquished to indicate submission 
by plucking out a handful of hair and otfering it 
to the victim as a token of submission, but whether 
this grew out of the custom of scalping, or whether 
the latter was an outgrowth of the hair token, is 
not known.” 

“What interests me is, why they should take a 
portion of the skin if they wanted the hair simply 
for decoration?” 

“Principally because that was the easiest way 
to keep the lock intact. Spencer, in -his ^Evolution 
of Ceremonial Forms of Government,^ relates some 
curious things growing out of this custom of tak- 
ing tribute of hair. Thus, the habit of stroking 


THIED ATTACKING TEIBE 


39 


the mustache, a custom prevalent among Spanish 
courtiers, arose from this habit. The stroking 
was done in the presence of ladies and superiors 
to indicate submission, or as an evidence of in- 
feriority.” 

‘‘Why is it that these savages pay more atten- 
tion to their headgear than any other part of their 
clothing?” 

“The savage regards the head as the most im- 
portant part of the body. It is also the portion 
which is first seen by an enemy or recognized by 
a friend, hence he considers it a necessity to prop- 
erly attire it for the purpose of inculcating fear 
in one, or admiration in the other. Vanity in the 
lower order of people leads them to excesses in the 
matter of dress or ornamentation, just the same 
as with many civilized people.” 

Long before morning dawned Angel grew rest- 
less, and could not be quieted by George. The lat- 
ter believed that the savages had returned, if the 
actions of Angel were any indications ; hut as the 
sun came up and a careful scrutiny was made, 
nothing alarming was in sight. 

An early breakfast was prepared, and the yaks 
yoked up, preliminary to a start for the south. 
With a chief in their hands they felt safer in 
their position than before, and were now in a 
condition to treat with the natives. 

Hardly had the -wagon started before Harry 
ran up in haste and excitedly whispered: “I 
see them coming; look to the south.” Not far be- 
yond was a mass of them coming up hurriedly, less 
than a half mile away, and a stealthy movement 


40 


THE TKIBESMEN 


among tlie shrubbery in the immediate vicinity 
showed the presence of the advance scouts which 
Angel had undoubtedly scented an hour before. 

The yaks were headed to the north, to give them 
ample opportunity to employ their weapons, and 
the chief was placed at the tailboard of the wagon, 
in full view of the pursuers, in the hope that his 
people would heed the warning given the day be- 
fore. This seemed to have no effect in the warlike 
attitude of the attacking party. 

“What I fear most is the possible attempt to sur- 
round us ; to prevent that it is better to drive the 
team forward at a pretty rapid rate.” 

The yaks were urged along, and their motion 
considerably accelerated by the shrieks and howls 
of the demons, as they brandished their arrows 
and spears. Thus far not an arrow had been 
loosened, and the fire of the party in the wagon 
was reserved. 

As the wagon surged forward the din increased, 
and soon a shower of arrows fell among them, 
none taking effect, because accurate aim was not 
possible while they were in motion. And now a 
concerted movement was apparent to surround the 
wagon. Over one hundred warriors were counted, 
and among them certain chiefs, recognized by 
their distinctive headdress. 

“Go for the river, Harry,” was the Professor’s 
injunction. 

The yaks were now beyond all control. Several 
of the arrows found their marks in the poor ani- 
mals, and they were now vying with the fore- 
most savages in making speed. Eventually the 


THIRD ATTACKING TRIBE 


41 


flanks of the attacking party outran the team, and 
the Professor made his way to the front, leaving 
George and John to take care of the rear. 

When one of the prominent chiefs, who was lead- 
ing the flanking party, presented a fair target, the 
Professor shot, and had the satisfaction of seeing 
him fall, and this temporarily checked the pursuit 
on that side. Grasping Harry’s gun, he fired into 
the party on the opposite side, with good effect. 
The opening shot by the Professor was a signal for 
George and John. 

And now began one of the most exciting run- 
ning duels between the contending forces. The 
Professor knew that if the river could be reached 
they would have only one side to defend, hut they 
were fully three miles or more from the crossing 
point of the stream, and to make matters worse, 
the team was beyond control, and was traveling 
to the northwest, whereas the direct course to the 
river was to the north or northeast. 

There was no help for it. They must keep cool, 
and reserve their fire. After each shot the 
weapon of each would be reloaded, so that they 
always had a reserve force of guns. The arrows 
came spasmodically, and only a few of them from 
the trailing members of the band came near. The 
danger was from those who were attempting to 
encircle the wagon. 

John was requested by sign to go to the forward 
end, and he promptly responded, and at every 
shot one of the pursuers went down. The main 
object was to keep them away from the team a 
sufiicient distance to prevent injury to the yaks, 


42 THE TEIBESMEN 

and tliis required the greatest energy and watch- 
fulness. 

The attacking party began to have a wholesome 
fear of the guns, and kept at a distance, which 
prevented them from effectively using the arrows. 
This pace was kept up for two miles, and the 
effect was now apparent on the poor animals. 
Harry noticed it, but he kept up a brave front, 
and did his share in the firing. 

But now there was increased activity in the 
ranks of the enemy. Most of the advance party 
had gathered at a clump of bush ahead, and partly 
to the right, and Harry made every effort to divert 
the team to the left; but they were blind to the 
urging, and too excited to heed the tugging of 
Harry. 

The Professor divined the purpose of the re- 
markable quiet on the part of the savages, and 
called to George to come to the forward end in 
anticipation of a rush, en masse, from the shelter 
of the brush. By some instinct the yaks turned 
to the left before the danger point was reached, 
but the band nevertheless rushed forward in rage, 
and to the gratification of our party, they were so 
close together that aiming for the thick of the 
pursuers was sufficient to assure a mark for each 
shot. 

They did not heed the fallen, or wait to care for 
them, but rushed on and endeavored to head off 
the yaks. Those in the wagon did not notice that 
before them, and close at hand, lay a broad river. 
Harry was the first to announce it with a shout. 


THIED ATTACKING TEIBE 43 

when he saw the party in the lead halt, and move 
to the rear. 

^‘What stream is this?” exclaimed George, ex- 
citedly. 

^^This must be the West Eiver.” 

“And see, there is another stream to the right.” 

What a lucky circumstance that the team had 
made its way to the forks of the two rivers, and 
that they were now protected by the streams on 
both flanks. It was also fortunate for them that 
the team was by this time so completely worn out, 
that as they were going out along the narrow 
tongue of land, and the danger from their foes 
was growing less, that Harry carefully crept 
along the wagon pole to the heads of the animals 
and by quieting words soon restored them, and 
succeeded in bringing them under control before 
the shores were reached. 

Both animals had been wounded, and the first 
care of the Professor was to relieve them. One 
of the arrows still hung in the side of Jill, and 
when the wounds were dressed they did not seem 
any the worse for their experience, but they were 
very tired, and inflamed with the excitement. 

The peninsula within which they lay was not 
more than fifty feet wide where the wagon was 
halted, and two hundred feet away its width was 
not over one hundred feet, so it will be seen they 
were in a position which could be easily defended. 
There was plenty of provision on hand, but the 
matter of ammunition was the immediate cause of 
alarm. At least thirty rounds had been fired in 


44 


THE TRIBESMEN 


the running fight, and the first thing was to take 
stock of this necessary article. 

Only eight rounds were left, for the guns, and 
twenty for the pistols, but as they were now safe 
from further attack this was not such a calamity as 
they expected. 

Their captive was mute during the entire skirm- 
ish, and it was a remarkable exhibition of a savage 



trait for the pursuers to disregard the condition 
of one of their chiefs, by firing on him while in 
that condition. How many were killed or disabled 
they had no means of knowing, but many must 
have fallen, for when they lined up across the 
tongue of land behind them the number had con- 
siderably diminished. 

“It seems as though they intend to make a siege 


THIRD ATTACKING TRIBE 45 

of it,” was Harry’s comment, as lie noticed them 
preparing a fire. 

The wagon was drawn np so that its broadside 
was toward the enemy, and the boards which had 
been carried, let down so as to form a screen for 
the part below the body. This afforded a safe 
place for the yaks, if perchance during the night 
the attacking party should get near enough by 
stealth to use their arrows. 

As night approached there was an evident move- 
ment on the part of the besiegers, which could not 
be understood, until it was noticed that they had 
taken a much closer position. This was consid- 
ered most annoying, and with a view to giving 
them another lesson, a few shots were fired into 
the thickest groups. This was answered by howls 
of anger, as they rushed back beyond the line of 
their former camp fire. 

^^They will learn a good lesson if they keep 
after us much longer. They have a wholesome 
fear of us now, and if our ammunition holds out, 
we can wipe out the whole lot,” was George’s grim 
comment after the last incident. 

“Fear is certainly a wonderful thing in this 
world,” commented the Professor ; “without it the 
entire history of the world would have to be 
changed and rewritten.” 

“Why do you think so?” 

“If you stop to consider the element of fear you 
will see that it is at the bottom of almost every 
human aspiration. Why does a man work to lay 
up a store for a rainy day? Why does he toil 
day, after day, and often lose his life in the effort? 


46 


THE TKIBESMEN 


What prompts the mother to guard her infant in 
the face of every danger! You may say it is love, 
but behind that love is fear which prompts the 
action.” 

During the night, when John and Harry were 
on guard, John quietly stole from the wagon, and 
as stealthily as a savage moved out over the 
ground toward the Indian encampment. Hereto- 
fore there had been a protest against his doing so, 
but in this case Harry did not offer any objections. 

On his return Harry noticed several objects 
which he carried back and was surprised to see 
they were the peculiar headdresses worn by the 
attacking party. It was a matter of wonder to 
him that John should make a prize of these things, 
but when the Professor was called, and he noticed 
them, his face lighted up, and nodding his head, 
said : ^^Well, this is a wonderful piece of informa- 
tion.” 

“What is it?” 

“How stupid I have been, not to recognize that 
before.” 

“What is the matter with the headgears that 
John brought in ?” 

“Look at the topknot of the fellow we have in 
the wagon.” 

The moonlight was sufficiently clear to enable 
Harry to distinguish a pronounced difference. 

“So another tribe that our captive does not be- 
long to has been pursuing us?” 

This news was of so much importance that 
Harry waked up George, although it was not his 
hour for the watch. 


THIED ATTACKING TEIBE 


47 


“WEat do you think, George, the fellow we have 
does not belong to the attacking party.” George 
was too sleepy to comprehend the intelligence at 
once. 

‘‘How do you know it?” 

“John has just brought in several of the head- 
dresses, and they are entirely unlike the one the 
chief has.” 

The utter disregard of the savages for the chief 
was now explained. 

Wlien morning came the Professor turned to 
the boys, and remarked : “I have still further in- 
formation to impart this morning.” 

“What is it?” was the query of both. 

“Last night when I made an examination of the 
articles John brought in, I was under the impres- 
sion that our pursuers were the other tribe that 
we first met north of the river. On more care- 
fully looking them over I find that our late enemies 
are an entirely different tribe, so that we must 
count on three distinct people in our further ex- 
plorations.” 


CHAPTEE IV 


THE ESCAPE. ENCOUNTEKIHG ANOTHER HOSTIIiE TRIBE 

The boys did not know bow to receive this news ; 
whether it complicated the situation or really of- 
fered an easier solution. The annoying thing was 
that the natives were at war with each other, and, 
apparently, all were at war with them. 

The Professor commended John for his intu- 
ition, or whatever it may be called, in enabling 
them to gain this information. In his mute way 
he made a place for himself in the hearts of all. 
His wonderful ability with the gun, his caution 
and prudence, and the remarkable calmness and 
ease that characterized all his actions in the most 
trying periods, were such commendable traits that 
the boys could not help but show him their admira- 
tion in every way, and he knew and seemed to 
appreciate this. 

Every day some new phase of his character 
would present itself, and the Professor, ever alert 
to note any symptoms, quietly told the boys that 
there was every evidence that he was now in the 
making of a dual self. 

“What do you mean by that!” ■ 

“It is a term applied to one who has lost mem- 
ory of his past, and in that condition has begun 
life anew anJ gone on for years in the new or 
dual existence, and perhaps ended his life in the 
dual personality. In many cases, however, return- 
48 


THE ESCAPE 


49 


ing consciousness, which came just as suddenly as 
they were deprived of it, caused them to forget 
all that had taken place during the first period.’^ 
‘‘Under those conditions which is the real man 
or individual, the memory he first started out with 
or the memory he got afterwards f ’ 

“You have asked a strong, leading question, 
George, and it may never be answered satisfac- 
torily. Supposing a man should live a period of 
thirty years, and then have memory entirely ob- 
literated, and should exist the residue of thirty 
years more as another person, there would be as 
much reason in calling one as normal as the other ; 
but on the other hand, if, during the latter period, 
memory should return, and he would be rehabili- 
tated into his former self, I am of the opinion that 
the first period would be the normal one.” 

“You seem to think that is what makes the 
person?” 

“What else is there to man but memory? Is it 
the flesh, or blood and bones ? Animals have those 
also. Memory is the greatest faculty in man, and 
it has been argued that what is called the divine 
spirit is merely the ability to recollect.” 

“But animals recollect, and would you call them 
divine for that reason?” 

“No; for the reason that the lower orders of 
living creatures, as we term them, do not remem- 
ber all things, but only certain features of events, 
and do not, except within a very limited range, 
reason from one phase to another. Man is called 
divine by his own kind because he has done things 
so far above what the brute has accomplished that 


50 


THE TEIBESMEN 


it is regarded as a divine attribute. But he has 
done these things because he was endowed with a 
memory which enabled him to retain a conscious- 
ness of things, and to follow up the stored knowl- 
edge, or the accumulated essences of events which 
materialized in his remarkable works. Would it 
make any difference if the being which does these 
wonderful things should be in the form of a dog 
or a horse? If Bed Angel could remember all 
that is told him, and could thereby do the next 
day what he had learned the day before, he would 
compare favorably with many human beings who 
possess our forms, and are called human beings.” 

No attack was made that night, and the next 
morning all were relieved at the rest afforded 
them. The savages had too much respect to ven- 
ture near the camp, and a consultation was held as 
to a wise course to follow. The captive was of no 
use to them, but it would have been inhuman to 
turn him adrift, so that he should fall into the 
hands of the besieging party. Eventually he 
might be of service to them. 

The main river to the west of them was fully 
two hundred feet broad, and the stream which 
bounded the other side of their position was, at 
its mouth, over a hundred and fifty feet in width, 
and it appeared to be entirely too deep to attempt 
fording. 

No doubt the savages knew this, and counted 
on an easy capture when their provisions should 
give ojit. Thus the second day neared its close, 
and near evening there was an evident addition 
to the besieging force. A close watch was kept 


THE ESCAPE 51 

during the night, but no attempt made to force the 
situation. 

This inaction became most monotonous. It was 
exceedingly trying, and the condition after the 
third day was now made plain ; that they intended 
to starve them into submission. 

During the early part of the evening, the Pro- 
fessor, realizing that something must be done, de- 
cided on a novel plan to relieve them of the sav- 
ages. If, by any possibility, they could get some 
logs, sufficient to build a raft to help sustain the 
wagon, he believed the yaks would be able to swim 
the river and thus take the rafted wagon with 
them. 

The boys, when the idea was broached, were 
heartily in favor of the scheme. Harry looked at 
John. ‘T only wish we could make our desires 
known to him.” 

• The Professor took John by the hand, and led 
him to the brink of the river, and then pointing 
to the stream and to the wagon, and motioning in 
the direction across the river, he seemed to com- 
prehend the meaning. 

When they returned to the wagon, the Professor 
said to Harry : ‘‘Do you think you and John could 
cross the stream to the north of us, and find suffi- 
cient poles and driftwood for the purpose?” 

Harry jumped at the opportunity. The moon 
was shining, but was occasionally hidden by 
clouds. Motioning to John they took their guns 
and bolos, and at the instance of the Professor, a 
quantity of rope. Some driftwood had caught at 
the shore to their left, and this was recovered, 


52 


THE TEIBESMEN 


and from that a small raft was built sufficient to 
carry both across the narrowest stream. 

To the north of them, less than a quarter of a 
mile away, was a quantity of small timber, and the 
Professor suggested that it would be advisable to 
go a considerable distance so the cutting of the 
logs would not be heard by their watchers. 

They pushed the raft silently across the water, 
and drew it up for safety, and then stole down 
to the water’s edge to make their way beyond the 
sight of the savages on the opposite side. All 
along the shore advantage was taken of every piece 
of wood available to serve as a floating structure, 
and wdien the wood was reached a few of conven- 
ient size were selected and cut up into lengths 
which would enable them to be readily rolled down 
to the river. 

This work occupied them until midnight, and 
four large trees were thus prepared and lashed 
together, and one, wading in the water along the 
beach, using a pole, the other, with the rope, 
they held it within poling distance of the shore. In 
this manner the logs and detached pieces were 
floated down to the mouth of the stream, and 
having tied the small raft to the stern, it was 
finally poled across and landed at the water’s edge 
not far from the wagon. 

It was fortunate that the water was shallow 
and that the beach was shelving at this point, as 
it materially aided in effecting the launching. The 
moon went down before four o’clock that morning, 
and the yaks were yoked up and led to the river. 

When Harry returned he was surprised at what 


THE ESCAPE 


53 


he saw in their camp. The Professor and George 
had been at work also. Several uprights had been 
put up on the side of the wagon facing the be- 
siegers, and over this had been stretched an old 
canvas and parts of such goods as could be dis- 
pensed with, so as to imitate the wagon, as nearly 
as possible. 

Their ramie fiber top was of a light yellowish 
color, which looked bright in the moonlight. This 
had been removed and stored in the wagon, so 
that when the wagon was driven away the sham 
arrangement did not disclose the disappearance of 
the vehicle. 

The wagon was driven into the water nearly hub 
deep, and two of the largest logs were then floated 
in under the axles, and the smaller ones lashed in- 
side, so that the sustaining power of the com- 
bined logs, together with the wooden portion of the 
wagon and body, would be sufficient to sustain their 
weights. 

Harry worked liked a hero, and took personal 
charge of the handling of the team, which was 
his especial delight. His presence near the yaks 
always gave them confidence, and on this occasion 
he took his position on the pole between them and 
near the yoke, and thus gently urged them forward. 

For twenty-five feet or more the wheels kept 
on the ground, but soon thereafter the wheels were 
free, and they were delighted to find that the tim- 
bers did not permit the body to go down very low 
into the water, and this saved their bedding from 
becoming soaked. 

The yaks performed their work nobly. Some 


54 


THE TEIBESMEN 


months before they had forded the South Eiver, 
at the time the flagpole for Observation Hill was 
cut, so they had ample reason to believe that they 
would be dependable under these circumstances. 
It did not require much urging on the part of 
Harry, and the opposite bank was soon reached, 
and the cattle scrambled up the beach, but were 
stopped before the wagon emerged from the water 
so the logs could be cut adrift. 





The passage was made without a single mishap, 
and all wondered why this plan had not been 
thought of before. 

“Let us move on into the interior a short dis- 
tance, so as to deceive them as to our direction. 
It is conceivable that they may have boats of some 
kind which they have sent for, and we should, 
therefore, try to put them otf the track.” 

All were now tired and needed rest. They had 
not slept a moment during the night, and it was 
not yet daylight. Beyond was an elevation, to- 
ward which the Professor directed them. There 


THE ESCAPE 


55 


the wagon could be concealed, and from that point 
they would also have a view of the future move- 
ments of their enemies. 

When the sun arose the savages could be seen 
standing guard over the sham wagon, at their old 
camp ground, and the boys enjoyed this bit of 
humor in the extreme. ‘T feel so jolly at the trick 
that I want to go down to the river and laugh 
at them,” exclaimed George. 

Up to nine o’clock there was no indication that 
the ruse had been discovered. The Professor was 
in his happiest mood at the good imitation, and 
John had an unmistakable smile, and, as the boys’ 
laughter grew more boisterous, he broke into a 
laugh that actually startled them. 

It was no less amusing to the captive. Beyond 
question it pleased him, but whether on account 
of his own safety or because of the ludicrous atti- 
tude of the besiegers, was beyond their comprehen- 
sion. In his short captivity he had taken a fancy 
to the Professor, on whom he kept his eyes con- 
stantly. It was evident that more than the usual 
interest was displayed in watching his movements. 
From the first there was no sulkiness in the chief, 
nor did he exhibit any mo’roseness, or anything 
which indicated a spirit of revenge. 

The kind and simple act of binding his wounds 
and making him comfortable seemed to amend for 
everything. Occasionally the Professor would go 
to him, and examine the wound, and sometimes pat 
him on the back — actions which he seemed to un- 
derstand. No doubt the Professor had a motive 
in all this, as we shall probably see. The boys 


56 


THE TRIBESMEN 


knew that he understood human nature in all its 
aspects, and that in this, as in other things, they 
felt he was merely preparing the way to utilize 
him in the future. 

They were now on the western shore of West 
River, and when they had their full share of 
laughter at the deluded enemies, preparations 
were made for a start. But where to? Directly 
to the east were the three hostile tribes, and that 
direction was impossible. The Professor at- 
tempted another conversation with the chief. As 
all were preparing for the start, he pointed to 
the north, and at this the chief shook his head to 
indicate disapproval. When he motioned toward 
the south it was even a more vigorous negative. 
Here was a dilemma. What did he mean by 
such peculiar actions? 

The start was delayed to give them an oppor- 
tunity to discuss the evident meaning of their 
captive. While this was going on Harry’s atten- 
tion was directed to their old camp. Their late 
enemies had discovered the ruse, and were now 
rushing to beat down the pretended wagon. 

^‘See the party on the north side of the river. 
I suppose that is a scouting party and they found 
out our little joke,” and George again burst into 
laughter at the scene. 

The chief was interested now. The party from 
the north came into view, and after passing up 
the river for a quarter of a mile or more, dashed 
across, and came back on the same side of the 
stream that the late besiegers occupied. 


THE ESCAPE 57 

“See, they are fighting each other. What does 
it all mean!^^ 

“It simply means,” answered the Professor, 
“that the other tribe, or one of the other tribes 
on the island, sent for reinforcements, and are 
now taking a hand.” > 

The chief was consulted find asked by signs 
whether the attacking party from the north side 
was Ms own people, and he shook his head in 
the negative. This proved, beyond doubt, that 
at least three ditferent people inhabited the island 
to the south and southeast. 

“What puzzles me,” said the Professor, “is the 
fact that our chief opposes our traveling to the 
north and to the south as well.” 

“Do you think there are any tribes on this side 
of the river?” 

“That is the only inference I can draw from 
his actions.” 

A battle was in progress in the underbrush be- 
yond the river. The attacking forces were numer- 
ically superior, and within an hour had driven 
their opponents far to the south, and the success- 
ful tribe could be plainly seen, as they searched 
the hills to find the bodies of victims, and to 
gather the trophies of their victory. 

“We might as well go north on our way home, 
as directly to the east,” was the final remark of 
the Professor. 

The boys were actually startled at this sudden 
announcement. But when he pointed out that 
their ammunition was very low, owing to the 


58 


THE TRIBESMEN 


fierce resistance which they had to make, the wis- 
dom of the course appealed to them. 

“I am glad to go,” was Harry’s immediate re- 
sponse, “becanse when we come hack next time 
we’ll have something that will give the whole lot 
a better argument than we offered them this time.” 





The yaks started for the north, and the chief’s 
eyes gave a warning look, which they did not 
heed at that time. They afterwards remembered 
how portentous that look was. All that day, over 
broken ground, and a rough, hilly country, the 
team laboriously made its way. The best that 


THE ESCAPE 59 

could be done over such a country was two and 
a half miles an hour. 

Late in the afternoon the party were startled 
on coming in sight of numerous small huts, and 
a larger hut at one side of the cluster of smaller 
ones. The approach was so unexpected that in 
spite of their etforts, the team could not be turned 
around before their approach was heralded 
throughout the tribal village. 

Here was the first view of the homes of the 
natives. The huts were very crude, and were de- 
void of windows, all of them built round with more 
or less pointed or conical tops. 

^^Those huts don’t look like the ones we saw 
to the south on the day we had our first fight,” 
was George’s opinion. 

‘^You are correct in that, and if you notice, the 
people look differently, as well. What is that! 
I believe they have firearms.” The Professor’s 
brow gathered, as he said this, because now, that 
the alarm had been given, the warriors were run- 
ning to and fro, and among them were several 
who carried guns. 

The wagon was hurriedly put into a posture 
of defense, and the cattle protected as best they 
could. They approached cautiously, and the Pro- 
fessor walked forward and held out his hand in 
token of friendliness. They withdrew a short 
distance for consultation. This gave the party an 
opportunity to study the new people. 

The first thing noticed was the entire differ- 
ence in the clothing worn. The other tribes had 


60 


THE TRIBESMEN 


nothing but the breech clout, but these had other 
garments, and their skin was darker in color. 

‘T am afraid we shall have trouble in a fight 
with these people, because their guns are first- 
class make,” said Harry. 

‘^You need have no fear of their guns,” answered 
the Professor.” 

The boys looked at him wonderingly, as he con- 
tinued : ‘‘They may have had ammunition in the 
past, but it is evident that they have none now. 
See how the fellows who have . the guns carry 
them. They use them like spears.” 

They finally turned from their conference, and 
without a word or sign opened hostilities with a 
volley of arrows. The gage of battle had been 
thrown down. It was fortunate that the warriors 
were few in comparison with their last enemies. 
Not more than twenty were counted as they were 
waiting for the result of the consultation. 

This challenge could not well be misunderstood, 
and the Professor gave the word to fire. Every 
shot took effect, and the result was a startling 
one for the savages. Without waiting for the 
second round they broke and fled, rushing down 
past the large hut and through the village, gath- 
ering, as they went, the women and children 
which had previously grouped together to wit- 
ness the fight. This was too much for the boys, 
who rushed down after them, followed by John 
and the Professor, until the large hut was 
reached. 


CHAPTER V 


THE KESCUE OF THE CAPTIVE BOYS 

The boys were chattering and whooping as 
they ran, to the immense amusement of the Pro- 
fessor. They had converted themselves into reg- 
ular American Indians for the occasion, and tried 
to imitate the yells of the savages who had at- 
tacked them the previous day. 

Passing the large hut which stood in the fore- 
ground, the boys imagined they heard a cry from 
within. Possibly it was a lure, and the Professor 
advised them not to be too rash. 

^^Here we are; inside the hut; hurrah for the 
United States.” The boys looked at each other 
in amazement. The Professor, too, was puzzled. 
Cautiously approaching the opening, the Profes- 
sor called out: ‘^Who is there I” 

Instantly came the cry from two voices : ^ We 
are American boys who were captured by the 
savages.” Nothing more was needed for the im- 
petuosity of George and Harry. With the bolos 
the enclosure was soon cut away, and they rushed 
in, but the Professor and John remained outside. 

In one corner, and tied to stanchions which 
had been driven in the ground, were two boys, 
badly emaciated, and covered with filth and rags. 
When the ropes that bound them were cut away 
and assisted to rise they were too weak to stand 
without support. 


61 


62 


THE TEIBESMEN 


‘We are so hungry.” 

“How long have you been here*?” asked Harry, 
excitedly. 

“We don’t know, hut more than two weeks. We 
were captured by another tribe and in the last 
fight were taken from the ones who first captured 
us.” 

“Come out into the light,” and Harry and 
George each put his arms around one of the boys, 
and as they came out looked at the Professor 
and John in astonishment too strong for words. 

In the excitement they broke down and wept, 
and well they might. Our boys were touched be- 
yond description, and John went up to them and 
put his arms around them, and this act so atfected 
Harry and George that they too joined the boys 
in tears that could not be kept back. 

The Professor was moved, as he turned away 
to hide his feelings, but he recovered, and with a 
great show of unconcern, exclaimed: “Back to 
the wagon, as quickly as possible.” This brought 
them to a realization of their position, and 
Harry and George almost carried the boys toward 
the wagon, while J ohn and the Professor lingered 
behind. 

He had anticipated the return of the savages, 
and surmising that a still larger force might be 
within calling distance, did not consider it pru- 
dent to tarry long at that spot. It was well that 
they did not remain, as the rescued boys informed 
the Professor that the main body was beyond the 
ridge, and not more than several miles away un- 
less they were on the warpath. 


EESCUE OF CAPTIVE BOYS 


63 


There was no time for many words. When the 
poor boys reached the wagon another surprise 
was in store for them, as they gazed on the 
wounded chief, who was bound in the wagon. 

The savages did not go far beyond the village, 
and this was observed by the Professor, and was 
the moving cause of his sharp order when the 
boys were brought out. While Harry and John 
were engaged in turning the team around, George 
hurriedly set food before the famished boys, and 
they were cautioned against taking too much. 
They were really almost starved, and their ap- 
pearance plainly showed the treatment they had 
received. 

The Professor called out: ^‘They are coming; 
have all the guns ready.” Before they had fully 
taken all of the food the boys begged to be allowed 
to assist in the defense, and George was thought- 
ful enough to recognize the fact that the guns they 
had were not like the breech-loaders, and without 
wasting time told the boys how they were manip- 
ulated. 

‘^Where did you get these funny-looking guns 
asked one of the boys. 

‘^We made them,” was the reply, and the boys 
looked at each other and gasped in surprise. 

Beyond, the savages were gathering, and mov- 
ing forwardly, evidently with a view of attacking. 
The Professor turned to the boys and asked them 
whether the natives had guns, and they answered 
that when they were captured they saw a half 
dozen old weapons, but had never used them, as, 
apparently, there was no ammunition. WTiere the 


64 


THE TRIBESMEN 


savages obtained them was a m^^stery. They be- 
lieved the weapons were used as charms, to aid 
them against their enemies, and that belief gained 
ground from the fact that thus far the tribes, in 
whose territory they now were, had been victori- 
ous in every battle that had been fought for the 
past year. 

This was indeed interesting news, and proba- 
bly the actions of the wounded chief, in appear- 
ing to discourage the trip to the north, had some 
relation to this belief. 

The gathering warriors could be seen plainly, 
coming over the hill, beyond the village, and gath- 
ered in a mass near the hut from which the boys 
had been taken. A conference was in progress, 
which did not appear to be harmonious, but even- 
tually the party moved forward and divided into 
three sections, with the view of enveloping the 
position of the Professor and his party. 

“They will attempt to surround us, and we shall 
now have to attack them by assaulting one party 
at a time. As suggested in our previous encoun- 
ters, the five guns must always be kept as a re- 
serve for the last emergency. Fire and then re- 
load, and we should attack one of the parties at 
a time, so the greatest execution at any one point 
will be most likely to cause the greatest effect. 
Fire with the utmost care and deliberation. 
Three will fire at a time, and then, after an inter- 
val, three more can fire, first at one party and then 
at the next. Such a course will be most likely 
to throw them into confusion. Furthermore, care 
should be taken that all do not fire at the same 


EESCUE OF CAPTIVE BOYS 


65 


individual. The one on my left should aim at 
the one in the party to the left, and the one firing 
on my right should select some one in the group 
to the right of the center, while the center of our 
firing squad will aim at the center of their band.” 

These precautions were necessary with the new 
recruits. The two firing squads were arranged in 
this order : The Professor, with George and one 
of the boys at his sides, and John with Harry and 
the other boy assisting him. 

The position of the wagon was a strong one, as 
it was flanked near both ends by large trees, 
and it was fortunate that no large trees grew 
near them, the position having been selected with 
the object of defense in view; but they were liable 
to attack from all sides, which made the position 
more difficult. 

The two flanking parties made their way care- 
fully around, and at a signal, a rush was made. 
The Professor ordered the first volley, and three 
fell. This immediately checked the attacking 
party on that side, but the other did not stop, and 
after deliberately holding their fire until they 
came up much nearer, a fair target was obtained, 
and the order to fire was repeated. 

The Professor had anticipated a rush from 
the center party, but the terrible effect of the two 
rounds had demoralized them. The reserve guns 
were ready had it been necessary, and without 
waiting for the renewal of an attack the guns 
were reloaded, and Harry and George took it upon 
themselves to load the boys’ guns during the in- 
terim. 


66 


THE TRIBESMEN 


The besieged played a waiting game. With ten 
shots at their command they felt sure of being 
able to withstand anything but a rush, and even 
in that case, they had the bolos and the spears all 
within reach. It was an extremely hazardous, but 
not the most dangerous, position, since six fight- 
ing men, in a safe position, could not be easily 
overcome, as the Professor explained, and this 
gave all the boys the greatest confidence. 

The flanking parties withdrew, and joined the 
others, taking with them the wounded. Two 
hours of quiet reigned. The night, which was now 
approaching, was the most dangerous period, and 
they appreciated the insecurity of the position 
to withstand a night attack. 

The river was to their right, and not more than 
two miles away, and the boys saw the Professor 
frequently look in that direction. believe,” he 
finally said, “we can better afford to take the risk 
of a daylight trip to the river, than to remain here 
another minute. The lesson we gave is rankling 
within them, and they will attack us with different 
tactics the next time.” 

The yokes were still on the yaks, and it was 
the work of moments only to bring them to the 
pole and when the ring had been slipped on 
Harry had them in motion down the hill. The 
Professor and John dismounted, and stood guard, 
and Harry was told to move directly toward the 
river and pass to the right of a hill, which ap- 
peared to have a precipitous side, which was not 
more than a half mile away. 

The parting injunction of the Professor was: 


EESCUE OP CAPTIVE BOYS 67 


‘‘Go on without stopping until you reach the clump 
of trees before you and just beyond the little 
stream in your path. That will give you a good 
view of every approach.” 

The wagon went down the hill at a rapid pace. 
The Professor and John kept a vigilant watch on 
their enemies, and it was not long before the dis- 
appearance of the wagon was noted, and then the 
utmost excitement prevailed. It was evident that 
there was no concerted movement among them. 
There was an aimless running to and fro, but the 
two stood there, guns in hand, and that no doubt 
disconcerted the natives, who evidently believed 
that the wagon had been removed to a more ad- 
vantageous position. 

The inaction did not continue long, for it was 
now noticed that parties of two and three stole 
out from the shelter of the huts, some going to 
the north and others to the south, with a view 
of surrounding and spying the new position. The 
wagon was beyond the sight of their position on 
the hill, and after John had looked inquiringly at 
the Professor several times, both began a forward 
movement after the wagon, and by proceeding at 
a rapid pace discerned it in the distance. 

After crossing the little stream referred to by 
the Professor, both halted, in order to scour the 
country behind them. John clutched the Profes- 
sor by the sleeve and pointed to several moving 
figures to their left, cautiously moving up the 
hill to the position previously occupied by the 
wagon. 

This was a great relief, as it was evident the 


68 


THE TRIBESMEN 


savages had no idea that the wagon was in fnll 
retreat toward the river. Moving cantionsly 
from tree to tree the Professor and John traveled 
as rapidly as possible in the direction of the 
wagon, and the boys were commended for their 
forethought in keeping the wagon in a hidden 
position while awaiting their arrival. 

‘Tt looks as though we had outwitted them, at 
any rate for the time being, and it will keep them 
back long enough to enable us to get a good start, 
so hurry on as fast as possible. Make for the 
side of the hill which I pointed out before. If 
they discover our absence, and can gather their 
forces we may be able to use the precipitous side 
of the hill as a protection. But remember, the 
river is our objective point.” 

No urging was needed. On the way the second 
stream or running brook was crossed. Harry 
called to one of the boys: ^‘Get some of the 
copper kettles from the wagon and get some 
water. If we are held up at the hill the yaks 
will need it, as well as ourselves.” George and 
the boys recognized the importance of it, and weak 
as the two rescued boys were, they dragged the 
filled kettles to the wagon, and George fastened 
the wooden covers on them. 

Within ten minutes more the hill was reached. 
It was not high nor difficult to mount, and at one 
point it seemed to spring up into a peak, the 
southern side of the point presenting a steep out- 
line. The boys saw that on the side facing the 
river, which was less than a mile away, the pre- 


EESCUE OF CAPTIVE BOYS 69 


cipitons portion was formed by a wall of peculiar 
brownish-gray rock. 

Behind this rocky fortress the wagon was 
driven, and the first care of Harry was to water 
the animals, as they had not been allowed to 
quench their thirst on the way. They waited an 
hour or more for the appearance of the Profes- 
sor and John. George went out on a quest back 
over the trail which they had just made, and al- 
most reached the stream before he caught sight of 
them lurking through the trees and shrubbery. 

They were relieved to know that the wagon 
was in safety, and after the stream was crossed 
the three delayed no longer, but hurried rapidly 
forward and soon reached the wagon, to the great 
relief of Harry and the boys. 

^‘Let us haste to the river,’’ was the Professor’s 
hurried order, as he came up, and the yaks were 
at once urged forward, but as he passed the 
rocky wall, he cried out: ‘AVait, let us examine 
this first.” 

The boys knew that if, in such an emergency, he 
could call a halt, the appearance of the rock would 
reveal something that might be of value. The ac- 
tion of the Professor attracted the attention of 
John at once, and he turned to the wall and glanced 
along its face in an inquiring manner, and as 
he did so wandered along the rocky outline in a 
curious manner. 

While the Professor was engaged in examining 
the formation John came back hurriedly into 
sight, in considerable agitation, and running up 
to Harry, grasped him by the arm and led him 


70 


THE TEIBESMEN 


back. Harry followed, intensely interested, and 
the other boys also noted the movement and 
rushed over to the narrow trail which they had 
taken. 

As they rounded a corner John and Harry had 
disappeared, and George was astounded. In a 
moment more Harry ran back and cried out : ‘^Tell 
the Professor to come, quickly.” 

He appeared, as the unusual sight of the boys 
running after John had already attracted his at- 
tention, and when the boys reached the second 
turn and saw the Professor coming up, the latter 
was curious ta know what the commotion meant. 

^Tt means,” answered Harry, ^That we have 
found another cave.” 

The entrance was to the left, and was so hid- 
den by shrubbery that only the utmost scrutiny 
enabled them to distinguish it. 

They gazed at each other in astonishment. 
George was the first to speak: ^‘Why wouldn’t 
this be a good place to hide?” 

There whs no answer, but John heard, and im- 
mediately shook his head, and the Professor, not 
noticing this motion of John during his intent 
examination of the entrance, turned around and 
said: ^AVe must leave this place as quickly as 
possible.” 

This startled all of them into activity at once, 
and they made a rush for the team, with John in 
the lead. Without a moment’s loss of time, the 
way was made down the hill, and the Professor 
and John took up their positions as rear guards. 



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EESCUE OP CAPTIVE BOYS 71 


‘^Drive directly to the open space at the bank 
to the left, and unhitch the team.” 

The boys heard and started forward, urging 
them along as fast as the condition of the ground 
would permit, and within fifteen minutes had the 
team ranged behind the wagon in a manner simi- 
lar to their previous training for the purposes of 
defense. 

‘T think one of you boys and George had better 
go back and assist in case they are pursuing,” and 
Ealph, the stronger of the two, volunteered, and 
after taking a new supply of ammunition, fol- 
lowed back in time to see a number of lurking 
savages on the hill beyond the last stream. 

The escape had been discovered, and the sav- 
ages collecting their forces were in full pursuit. 
In an incredibly short space of time the shelving 
path along the rocky wall, adjacent the cave, was 
filled with warriors, who could now plainly see 
the wagon at the brink of the river, and the Pro- 
fessor and John soon appeared and urged haste 
back to the wagon. 

Ealph ventured the opinion that while there 
might be fifty or more in the party, he was sure 
that a still greater number were available, and 
when Tom, the other boy, was appealed to, replied 
that there must be considerably more than one 
hundred, if not a hundred and fifty in the tribe 
who might be mustered to attack them. 

When the wagon was reached all were cautioned 
not to waste any ammunition, as they had but 
little to spare. The savages came up and took 
position far beyond the range of the guns, and 


72 


THE TEIBESMEN 


tile open space afforded them a much better pro- 
tection than would have been available, even at 
the hill. 

It was evident, however, to George and Harry, 
that John and the Professor had some other reason 
for urging the sudden departure from the mouth 
of the cave. Neither could have seen the sav- 
ages approaching from that point, and they noticed 
the two looking at each other when the savages 
made their appearance in front of the cave. 

There was no time for questionings now. 
Would they attempt an attack? It was past mid- 
day, and hunger had been forgotten. While both 
of the rescued boys had kept within the wagon as 
much as possible during their flight from the hills, 
they were very weak, and had been given food in 
small quantities, so as to accustom their contracted 
stomachs to the stimulating action of the nutri- 
ment. 

Within an hour new parties approached from 
the rear. Eeinforcements were coming, and they 
probably intended to delay the attack until the 
entire force was available. This looked very seri- 
ous indeed, but through all the Professor was 
grave and dignified, and showed no evidences of 
being unduly disturbed at the gathering clans. 

‘What we need fear more than anything else 
now is a night attack,” was the Professor’s com- 
ment, as he watched their movements. 

Ealph stepped up to the Professor, and said: 
‘T do not think they will venture to do so, because 
I do not remember that they have ever attempted 
to do so at night. The tribe that captured us al- 


EESCUE OF CAPTIVE BOYS 73 


ways made night sorties, but these people never 
did, and for that reason I do not believe they will 
attempt it now.” 

The Professor thanked Ealph for the informa- 
tion. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE TALE OF THE EESCUED BOYS 

Night set in without a sign of attack. The 
heavens were filled with stars, hut there was no 
moon, and this afforded a cover for both parties. 

And now, when they were at last quiet for the 
first time since the release of the boys from their 
loathsome captivity, all were eager to hear their 
history. 

Harry and John had both learned during the 
snatches of conversation that they were able to 
take advantage of, that Ralph and Tom were 
companions on the ill-fated Investigator, when she 
went down. They were not remembered at the 
hut, and neither of the boys recalled the others, 
because the emaciated condition of the two was 
such as to make recognition impossible, and Ralph 
and Tom were too much excited to Imow or care 
who had delivered them, but they recognized the 
Professor before it dawned on them that the two 
boys were their former companions. 

But let us listen to the tale as Ralph told it: 
^AVe were on the after part of the ship at the 
time the explosion took place. It was between 
nine and ten at night. The explosion seemed to 
break the ship in two, and an officer, a seaman, 
and three of my companions, including Tom here, 
launched one of the boats, and when it was appar- 
ent that the vessel was sinking, the officer ordered 
74 


TALE OF EESCUED BOYS 


75 


the boat away. We saw two of the lifeboats, and 
made for the nearest one, when the wave from 
the sinking ship nearly overturned us. Soon after 
a heavy fog covered everything, and when that 
disappeared a high wind arose, and the sea became 
choppy and the froth was blown over us so that 
all became drenched.’’ 

^‘All that tallies exactly with our experience,” 
remarked George. 

‘Tnstead of decreasing the wind grew more 
furious during the following day, and Tom and 
myself became very ill and helpless. When I re- 
covered consciousness there was only Tom and 
another companion in sight, and neither of them 
knew what happened, or how the others dis- 
appeared. We were lashed to the boat, and just 
before I became unconscious I remembered that 
the seaman gave me some biscuits and canned 
meat, as well as a flask of water, and those I 
found beside me when I awoke. During the night 
Tom also awoke and began to rave, and I tried 
to quiet him, and after making a number of trials 
found the locker and gave him some stimulating 
medicines, which you will remember were put up 
and in the use of which we were instructed. Our 
other companion died of exposure the fourth 
day.” 

‘‘Weren’t the others lashed to the boat?” 

“I don’t remember. How many days we were 
washed by the sea I do not know, Imt it must have 
been fully a week, and we were both entirely ex- 
hausted, when something happened to our boat, 
and everything appeared motionless, but still I 


76 


THE TEIBESMEN 


could hear a terrific roaring sound. When I re- 
gained my senses, I recognized Tom bending over 
me, and the first words I remember were: T 
thought you would never come to again.’ I 
learned that we had been cast ashore the night 
before, and we could see the wrecked parts of our 
lifeboat strewn all about, as the winds had died 
down, but the sea was still running high.” 

Harry looked at him eagerly : ‘‘Didn’t you save 
your boat or any part of itf’ And George was 
almost at the limit of nervous tension as he leaned 
forward and waited for the reply. 

“No; our boat was crushed beyond all hope of 
recovery. We did not find any of the food stored 
in it, and when we were able to leave the beach 
on which we were thrown, we saw that not fifty 
feet to the left of us was the first of a series of 
rocky projections running to the west, against 
which we were no doubt landed when carried up 
by the immense breaker.” 

“Have you any idea where you landed — that is, 
on what part of the island?” was the Professor’s 
first question. 

“I haven’t the slightest idea, for reasons which 
you will now learn.” 

“But,” broke in Tom, “don’t forget to relate 
what we saw the first day, before we had gotten 
a half mile from the shore.” 

“Yes; I was coming to that. We were both 
hungry, and we wandered first along the sea- 
shore, and then finding nothing that would an- 
swer for food, went inland, and noticed all about 
us different kinds of vegetables, none of which 


TALE OF RESCUED BOYS 


77 


we recognized, and finally some berries. We were 
so hungry that we ate and ate as fast as we could 
gather them, and felt much better for a time ; but 
along in the afternoon, we heard voices, and soon 
a number of savages came in sight. We were 
paralyzed with fear. They were almost entirely 
naked, and what gave us the greatest fright was 
the appearance of a captive they were dragging 
along, with his hands bound behind him.^’ 

‘Was it a white manf’ 

“We did not know it at the time, but we after- 
wards learned, as I will tell you, that he was a 
white man, and that he was taken over to the 
main camp to be otfered up as a sacrifice.’^ 

“Did you recognize the particular tribe that had 
the captive?” 

“Not at that time, because we did not know 
that each tribe had its own distinctive dress. But 
later on we learned which tribe it was.” 

. The Professor drew up the mattress and 
brought out two different articles of headgear 
that had been taken four days before. “Do you 
recognize either of these?” 

The boys started. “Yes; this belongs to the 
tribe that first captured us. See that row of 
shells, and this colored band. That is the prin- 
cipal distinguishing feature aside from the hair. 
This hair is a dark brown, and all of the tribe 
wear that kind because their bitterest enemies 
have that kind of hair, and they seem to take a 
delight in slaying an enemy solely for the purpose 
of getting the hair necessary to make up the head 
ornament with.” 


78 


THE TRIBESMEN 


noticed that the hair of the people who are 
around us now is very black and curly.” 

“Yes; this other headdress is made principally 
from the hair of our enemies outside. Where did 
you get itf’ 

“We captured it,” answered the Professor, “in 
one of the tights we had several days ago.” 

“At the time you captured the chief here?” 

“Yes. And while we are on the subject, I wish 
you would see if you recognize the headdress of 
the chief we have here.” 

Ralph looked it over, and to the surprise of 
all announced that he had never seen that kind 
before. 

“How many tribes do you think are on the 
island?” was George’s question. 

“Probably a half dozen or more. Our means 
for learning these things were very limited, al- 
though we have had a close acquaintance with 
them for the past six months.” 

“Before you go on with your story I want to 
ask a question or two,” said the Professor, as he 
glanced at John. “Did you ever come across a 
large river, like this one, and which flowed in 
a different direction, say, to the east?” 

Neither of the boys remembered such a stream. 

“Have you ever been near the range of moun- 
tains which we can see to the east of us ?” 

“Oh, yes; we were taken way down west of 
those mountains. After seeing the captors a safe 
distance away, we started in an opposite direc- 
tion, and found ourselves on a little stream of 
water, and picked out a resting place on one 


TALE OF EESCUED BOYS 


79 


shore among the bush where a little overhanging 
hill offered some shelter. Before night both of 
us became very ill, and had taken to vomiting, 
and then imagined that the berries had poisoned 
us. For two days we lay there, almost too weak 
to move, and afraid to venture out, on account 
of the savages. We found nuts and ate sparingly 
at first, as our stomachs were too weak to permit 
us to take much at a time. Then we found some 
things like sweet potatoes, and Tom had a box 
of matches which was a great boon to us.’^ 

“Well, that is better than we had when we 
landed,” and George laughed at the reminiscence. 

“In our wanderings we lost all trace of time, 
of distance and of direction. We knew that the 
sun came from the east and set in the west, and 
we knew that the shadow of the sun was thrown 
to the north at noon, but it didn’t make much dif- 
ference to us which way we went.” 

George couldn’t help interrupting: “Why, 
don’t you know we are south of the equator, and 
that at noon the sun throws its shadow to the 
south ?” 

“In our condition we didn’t stop to consider any 
of those things. We were mostly hungry, and 
tired with wandering. We thought the proper 
thing would be to go north, and so we traveled in 
that direction. As it now turns out we went to 
the south, and marched right into the heart of 
the occupied part of the island. For months we 
evaded capture. On one occasion we stumbled on 
the camp of a lot of savages who were sacrificing 
a victim.” 


80 


THE TEIBESMEN 


“Was lie a white man?” 

“We did not know, and could not stop to in- 
quire, but it is more than probable that it was a 
captive from some other tribe, as that is a com- 
mon and universal practice. They never spare 
a captive. In our own case, we knew what to 
expect, and our only salvation was that the time 
for these sacrifices took place only at certain 
periods, or to commemorate events at which the 
offering is made to their gods at special seasons 
of the year. Of course we did not know when that 
particular period would come in our case, but we 
knew what captivity meant, and we often wished 
to be put out of our suspense.” 

The Professor here interrupted: “The matter 
of commemorating certain events or circumstances 
is something which comes down through the his- 
tory of all peoples from the most ancient periods. 
In the case of the Israelites, it is said that they 
brought out the brazen serpent, which Moses com- 
manded to be kept in the ark for a memory, and 
offered before it. Dixon, in his TIistory of the 
Church of England,’ states that it was the uni- 
versal custom in the early period of the church 
to demand memories to be celebrated, and Spen- 
ser’s tales refer to the commemorations by 

‘Their memories, their singing and their gifts.’ 
But proceed, Ealph.” 

“After several months of hunted life we be- 
came expert at eluding our enemies, but we were 
hungry and starving many a time, and once we 
were so much reduced to the starvation point that 
we boldly but stealthily entered a village in order 


TALE OF EESCUED BOYS 


81 


to capture food, and escaped. About two months 
ago we were unfortunate enough to wander be- 
tween two conflicting forces, and in the attempt 
to escape, were finally taken by the victors and 
conducted to their village in grand style. From 
our appearance it was probably difficult to judge 
whether we were white or black, but as we had 
the freedom of a small space adjoining our hut, 
and were encamped by the running stream, where 
water was handy, we had an opportunity to take 
a bath, which so changed our appearance that 
the natives could hardly believe we were the same 
captives they had taken two days before. We 
since learned that this alteration in our appear- 
ance is what caused them to postpone the sacri- 
fice. They are intensely superstitious, and could 
not understand why the transformation had been 
made. Then the round silver match box which 
Tom incautiously exhibited, excited their curi- 
osity, and its glitter attracted them, so that every- 
thing we had was taken away, particularly the 
buttons which we had about us.” 

‘‘That,” remarked the Professor, “is also a trait 
common with all savages, to regard all articles 
which have a luster, as a charm. The Druids, in 
ancient times, used balls of crystal as part of their 
superstitious w^orship, and even in the present 
day, in our own civilized country, we have plenty 
of people who have an idea that hypnotism can 
be brought about by gazing at a brightly polished 
sphere. It can be seen how much these articles 
are prized by a low order of people, because of 
the varied colors which are formed at the differ- 


82 


THE TRIBESMEN 


ent parts of tlie globular surface. It is for tbe 
same reason that the eye becomes the most at- 
tractive part of the human form, and why some 
are actually overcome by a piercing glance, or 
subdued by the genial beams of a kindly eye.” 

^^But I have little more to add to the tale. We 
were kindly treated by those people, and given 
a greater share of liberty as time wore on, and 
when the watchfulness was not so keen we took 
the first opportunity offered, to escape, and after 
wandering about from place to place, often with- 
out food, we were almost ready to return and 
throw ourselves on their mercy. For fully a 
month we kept out of their way, and when we saw 
them coming, and knew what a struggle we would 
have to elude them without food, we boldly 
marched into the midst of the warriors, only to 
find that we had been hiding from an entirely 
different tribe of savages. The knowledge of this 
made us desperate, but we were hungry, and we 
had read of instances where men had acted boldly 
when in great danger from enemies ; so that we con- 
cealed our fears, and demanded something to eat. 
Catching sight of a roast fowl we took it from 
the spit on which it was hanging, and began to 
eat it without asking leave, and with an air of 
superiority that simply stunned them. The chief 
came forward ; dangling from a chain on his neck 
was a watch. Tom went toward him, looked at it 
and quietly took it in his hand, without a protest. 
As he pressed the stem the case flew open, and 
the chief started back in wonder and surprise. 
This performance so new and startling to him was 


TALE OF EESCUED BOYS 


83 


a fortunate occurrence for us. Tow saw the ef- 
fect of his action, and then wound the watch. 
When he put the timepiece to the ear of the chief, 
he became frightened and tore the chain from 
his neck in terror. The ticking timepiece was then 
carried around to the assembled warriors, who ex- 
hibited the same fear at its ^talking.’ An ample 
supply of food was then instantly set before us, 
and Tom went up to the chief, and tried to tell 
him what the instrument was for, and turned the 
hands to midday to show how it would tell the 
time of day. He finally put the chain around the 
savage’s neck, which the latter permitted.” 

‘‘Did the watch have any mark by which it 
could be identified?” 

“Nothing but the initials ‘J L Y’ on the inside 
of the case.” 

“J L V,” cried Harry and George in unison, as 
they looked at John. Ealph and Tom in turn 
stared at the boys in amazement. 

“Do you know whose watch it is?” asked Tom. 

“Not positively; but we believe it belongs to 
John here,” said Harry, as he delved down in his 
pocket and brought out the silver match safe he 
had found after the attack at the river. 

“When he held it up Ealph glanced at it, and 
declared that the monogram was a perfect copy 
of the one on the watch. 

This was, indeed, getting interesting to the Pro- 
fessor, as he motioned to Ealph to proceed. 

“We were with this tribe nearly two weeks, and 
were treated like brothers. Bows and arrows 
were given us, and we became a part of their 


84 


THE TEIBESMEN 


fighting force, but, unfortunately, they were a 
small and weak tribe, and when several weeks 
ago the devils around us pounced down upon us, 
half of them were killed and we were made pris- 
oners. The others who were captured with us 
were sacrificed last week, and our turn would un- 
doubtedly have been the next, as we had been 
captured fighting against them.’’ 

This narrative greatly impressed the boys, and 
it showed what suffering they had undergone, and 
they could not help but contrast their lot with that 
of their unfortunate companions. 

The story made clear another thing: That 
there must have been another boatload of their 
wrecked ship on the island. 


CHAPTEE VII 


THE ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 

The waiting savages showed no disposition to 
attack under cover of darkness. Everything was 
quiet, and with reinforcements no doubt would 
resume the aggressive in the morning. It was 
approaching midnight and no one had retired. 
All were too busy listening and retailing stories 
to think of sleep. 

But they now had to consider the important 
things connected with their immediate security. 
Various plans were suggested, but none seemed 
to meet the conditions, and the Professor sug- 
gested that it might be well to make a careful re- 
connoiter of the enemy before deciding on a 
course. Harry and the Professor took up the 
guns, and John, divining the object, grasped one 
of the guns and held back both. He disappeared 
from the wagon on the side facing the river, and 
then slowly worked his way around toward the 
encircling band. 

When he had gone less than a hundred feet to- 
ward a point directly abreast of the wagon, so 
that he was moving at right angles to the shore 
line, he disappeared, and they could readily un- 
derstand how his crouching attitude would enable 
him to approach closely without being recognized. 

He was absent more than a half hour, and al- 
though the watchers in the wagon kept up a vigi- 
85 


86 


THE TEIBESMEN 


lant guard in every direction, John reappeared, 
and was almost at the wagon before he was no- 
ticed. He had returned by way of the north bank 
of the stream, and entered the wagon on the same 
side from which he had left. 

As stated previously, the extreme height of the 
wagon bed enabled them to make a small closet- 
like enclosure, would would not expose any light, 
and to this place the Professor drew John, and 
lighting the lamp the latter showed by signs that 
no savages were in the immediate vicinity. 

The Professor by signs motioned that they 
should take up their flight along the bed of the 
stream, and to this John gave his immediate ap- 
proval. The boys were informed of the decision, 
and all consented. It would certainly take them 
nearer home, and delay would mean only waste 
of ammunition, and if a fight was necessary they 
were as well able to defend themselves by night 
as by day. 

As silently as possible the yaks were put in 
marching order, and John, without a word, started 
off ahead, keeping well to the left, and at a con- 
siderable distance from the river bed, and thus 
acted as a scout for the party. 

To their astonishment their progress was not 
opposed, and for more than an hour the quiet 
movement was kept up. Before them was a mass 
of undergrowth, which seemed to come nearer the 
river than at any other place on their route, and 
John approached the wagon and signaled a halt. 

The Professor went forward, and without a 
word John started for the underbrush, the Pro- 


ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 


87 


lessor following. They passed entirely through 
without any signs of the savages, and as they re- 
turned and emerged from the other side, John 
tried to give the Professor some advice, but the 
darkness prevented him from grasping his ideas. 
As a last resort John went up to a small tree and 
made the motions of cutting it down, and it at once 
dawned on him that a raft should be built, and 
this so impressed the Professor as a wise course 
that they hurriedly returned to the wagon. 

^‘Boys, get the bolos at once, and drive the 
wagon forward until I tell you to stop. Harry 
and George follow John, and cut poles for a raft. 
We must cross the stream. While you are doing 
this I will examine the river bank and find the 
best place to launch our raft.” 

^W^hat,” exclaimed Ealph, “are you going to 
make a raft large enough to float the wagon on?” 

“No,” said Harry, “but we intend to make the 
wagon a part of the raft,” and he hurriedly told 
them how they had forded the stream before. 

Before they had an opportunity to cut many of 
the poles the Professor appeared with the wel- 
come information that he had found an immense 
pile of driftwood not far below, and this was com- 
municated to John as best they could and the 
Professor took him by the arm and led him to 
the river bank and sent Harry up to bring down 
the team. 

The accumulated mass was a fortune to them, 
as the wood was comparatively dry, and singling 
out the most available pieces, the material was 


THE TEIBESMEN 


ready witMn a half hour, and the shallowest shelv- 
ing part of the beach selected for the launching. 

It was singular that during all these proceed- 
ings not the least sign was heard of their pur- 
suers. It could not be possible that they had 
given up the chase, but it seemed so. The party 
now consisted of six, and Harry had doubts of 
the sufficiency of the floating timbers to sustain 
them, but this fear was dispelled as the noble 
yaks slowly drew the wagon forward, and it was 
found that it floated. 

By repeated urging the stream was soon 
crossed, and when the wagon had been denuded 
of the logs, they were in as good condition as be- 
fore to go on. As on the previous occasion, they 
pushed out from the river, as fast as the darkness 
would permit, and soon came to gently ascending 
land, and finally the underbrush appeared, when 
the Professor called a halt. 

^^This will take us far enough from the view 
of the savages, and we must make camp and get 
some rest for the morrow may be a trying day.” 

As nearly as could be determined it was two 
o’clock in the morning and the watches were ap- 
pointed so that two would be on guard, for an hour 
at each watch. The morning came too soon for 
all of them. It had been a strenuous time for all 
and a particularly joyous one for the two boys. 

An early start was not necessary. They were 
about a quarter of a mile from the river, and as 
the light broke were surprised to find that the 
camp was selected at a peculiarly secluded spot. 
Their first subject of conversation was concern- 


ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 


89 


ing the natives. They were nowhere in sight, but 
shortly afterwards John pointed to the right, and 
there plainly seen were the entire tribe waiting 
along the shore of a tributary which flowed into 
the stream from the west. 

‘Tt is now plain to me why they were fooled,’’ 
and the Professor laughed at the situation. They 
evidently knew that sooner or later the wagon 



must make its appearance and attempt to ford the 
stream, and that would be their opportunity. 

^‘They are certainly smart in some things, and 
particularly with regard to the character of the 
streams. That tributary is very deep and they 
counted on that giving us trouble.” 

‘^Why do you know it is a deep and not a 
shallow stream?” 

^‘The conformation of the shores indicate that. 


90 


THE TEIBESMEN 


It can generally be determined in this way; If 
the sides of the ground near the shore are steep, 
it is pretty sure to make a contracted channel, and 
that means depth. On the other hand, if the beach 
is sloping the stream may be wide, but is always 
shallow at that point. See the steep sides run- 
ning close down to the mouth?” 

The savages did not wait long for the supposed 
appearance of the wagon, but the scouting parties 
cautiously spread out and moved up the stream. 
They passed through the thick undergrowth where 
John and the Professor had passed the night be- 



7. ^Tijalloa/ 


fore and were, apparently, nonplussed at the dis- 
appearance. 

This recalled the former experience farther up 
the river, and all had a merry laugh at the discom- 
fiture. They saw the tracks of the wagon, and it 
ceased at the undergrowth, and this was the puz- 
zling feature to them, but in time the tracks were 
followed up leading to the river bank, and the 
evidences of the driftwood all about was sufficient 
information to them to stop all further pursuit. 

“Wliat should we do if they attempt to cross?” 
was George’s inquiry. 

^‘That would be our chance to go for them,” 
responded Harry. 


ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 


91 


They remained on the bank for two hours, con- 
stantly looking across for signs of the retreating 
wagon, and then slowly filtered back through the 
woods beyond. 

^TsnT this the place we saw the lights during 
our first trip to the river asked Harry. 

^^No,” answered the Professor; ^Ve were fully 
six or eight miles north of this point, but it might 
be some tribes are found that far down the river.’^ 

Breakfast had been forgotten in the interest- 
ing watching of their enemies, and when they had 
fully disappeared from view the party had au 
opportunity for the first time in a whole week to 
get a sample of cooked food. 

“I am sorry to say,” said George, ‘That we 
haven’t any fresh meat, and the best we can do 
is coffee and corned beef.” 

Harry and John had their guns in an instant, 
and started out on the quest for food. 

“Where did you get the coffee and corned beef 
asked Ealph. 

“We put up the beef ourselves, and there is 
plenty of this kind of coffee on the island.” 

“But you have sugar, too.” 

“Yes; we made that and also have plenty of 
honey.” 

This was surprising information for the boys. 

“But how did you make the guns? Where did 
you get the iron?” 

“We dug it out of the ground and put up our 
own foundry, and have a water wheel and a ma- 
chine shop.” 

All this was said with a show of pardonable 


92 


THE TEIBESMEN 


pride; and he continued: ‘^Wait until you see 
where we live and how we have things fixed up/’ 

The shots which were plainly heard indicated 
something good to eat, and before the hunters ar- 
rived the stove was removed from the wagon, and 
George had a good fire started. 

A woodchuck and two pheasants were the 
trophies. What a feast • they made. The chief 
was now inclined to be more communicative. The 
neat trick of crossing the river was a most en- 
joyable spectacle for him, and he tried to exhibit 
his delight. Ealph and Tom didn’t have much use 
for him; as they were no doubt thinking of the 
miseries that the islanders had given them, and 
the Professor smiled as he appreciated their feel- 
ings. 

The disposition of the warrior was a leading 
subject of discussion, and some favored letting 
him go, but he was not in a condition to travel, 
and they were now fully ten miles or more from 
the point where he was captured. Humanity 
prompted them to take him with them rather than 
set him adrift in his condition, which might mean 
exposure to his enemies, and as a result the sub- 
ject was dropped. 

Eed Angel was a source of wonder to the boys. 
He had so many attractive ways, and it was the 
first time that either had been thrown into close 
association with such an animal, and besides An- 
gel was not an ordinary orang. He had been edu- 
cated, and it amused the boys to see how much 
intelligence he exhibited when he was told to do 
certain things. 


ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 


93 


After the meal the march was taken np, and 
Harry, ever solicitous for his team, as he called 
them, was anxious to get water for them. He was 
assured that during the day they would without 
doubt cross some of the streams which they had 
previously found in that section of the country. 

While thus moving along Ralph and Tom were 
inexpressively happy at their liberty. Weak as 
they were they frequently got out of the wagon, 
trudging along, running races with Angel, and 
jolly as boys out of school. 

And this gives the first opportunity to describe 
them. Ralph was tall, and strongly built, but his 
emaciated frame did not show his full strength. 
Tom, on the other hand, was shorter and bulkier, 
so that the two boys were really the counterparts 
physically, of Harry and George, respectively. 
Both were educated fully up to their years like 
the average youths who had graduated from the 
high school. 

Tom was the most observant of the two, and in 
that respect resembled George, and as they moved 
through the forest and over the table land, he 
would frequently stop and look around, and finally 
went to the Professor and said : ‘This part of the 
island looks very familiar to me.” Then calling 
to Tom, he continued: ‘TsnT this the place we 
traveled through after we were wrecked?” 

Tom looked about him, and finally answered: 
“It does look familiar like. We came from that 
direction.” And he pointed to the north. 

“If that is the case you landed on the island 
fiifty miles west of our position, and it is a re- 


94 


THE TRIBESMEN 


markable thing that we never ran across your 
tracks/’ answered the Professor. 

The wagon was driven forward slowly, because 
there was now no need for haste. The part of 
the country through which they were passing was 
free from savages, so there was no anxiety from 
that source, and the Professor, as well as the boys, 
took delight in examining the country through 
which they passed, and in trying to discover new 
vegetables and fruit, as well as learning all about 
the mineral resources of the different sections. 

Before night they came to a small stream, which 
was an admirable camping spot, and the yaks 
fairly reveled in the sweet, fresh water. There 
was no hesitancy in building a fire for the evening 
meal, and the hunting bags showed a good supply 
of game. That evening sitting under the great 
southern dome, with its glittering stars, the Pro- 
fessor had a most attentive audience when the 
various questions were brought up for discussion. 

To those who are fairly observant, the heavens 
in southern latitudes cannot fail to attract atten- 
tion because of the different arrangement of the 
stars. People living in the northern hemisphere 
have never seen the southern cross, nor the great 
fixed stars, Canopus or Achernar ; and those below 
the equator have never viewed the polar star, and 
do not know the beauty of the brilliant star Vega. 

The most intent listener, on all occasions of this 
kind, was George. ^‘Tell us. Professor, how the 
mariner knows the direction of the south pole 
when there is no south polar star to show himf’ 

^Tractically the same method is used as in the 


ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT 


95 


northern hemisphere. The north polar star does 
not in itself indicate which is north, hnt it is one 
of the points used in connection with another star 
which points out the direction. 

^‘In the northern hemisphere there is a star 
called Alpheratz and another called Zaph, which 
are in direct line with the polar star. The two 
first stars named are exactly on what is called 
the equinoctial line. But the southern hemisphere 
of the heavens does not have a polar star to indi- 
cate the south, so that if you will now look directly 
above us you will notice two very bright stars. 
One of them is the fixed star Sirius, the most 
brilliant in the heavens; the other is Canopus, 
and a line along these two stars would go around 
the celestial sphere and point to the poles.’^ 

^^But suppose we should be on the sea, and would 
not have anything else to guide us, what would 
there be to show which way is north and which 
direction south 

^^Sirius is easily distinguished, because it is, 
apparently, the largest of all the fixed stars. It 
cannot be mistaken. By taking that as a starting 
point, and following with the eye along past Cano- 
pus, you will be looking to the south pole.’^ 

“Isn’t Sirius called the Dog Star! And hasn’t 
it some connection with the dog days?” 

“Yes; in the remote ages of the world, when 
every man was his own astronom.er, the rising 
and setting of this star was watched with deep 
solicitude. The astronomers of Egypt determined 
the length of the year by the number of its risings. 
It foretold to them the rising of the Nile, which 


96 


THE TEIBESMEN 


they called Siris, and admonished them when to 
sow. At that season of the year Sirius rises with 
the sun, and owing to its intense brilliancy, the 
ancients supposed that it blended its heat with 
the sun and thus was the cause of the intense 
heat; hence during that time were called dog 
days. At present what are so designated are 
the days between the 3d of July to the 11th of 
August.” 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE CATAKACT AND ITS MARVELS 

The tramp through the forest was a leisurely 
one, as constant stops were made to examine the 
country. The rescued boys were wonderfully re- 
cuperated by the influence of two days of good 
food and the peace of mind and contentment that 
had come into their lives after a stormy and haz- 
ardous fourteen months’ struggle. 

Ralph brought in several specimens of fruit and 
vegetables, of the kind they had seen the natives 
use, and one specimen which had a long, tapering 
root. ‘^Here is something they always had on 
hand,” he remarked as he handed it to the Profes- 
sor. 

“That would be a valuable addition to our vege- 
table diet. It is a species of Salsify, or vegetable 
oyster, and by some called Goat’s beard, on account 
of the peculiar top.” 

“I should like to know what this is. It seems 
to me that we saw plants of the same kind down 
near the South River.” George produced a plant 
with beautiful large leaves at the end of each 
stem, which grew in clusters. 

The Professor smiled. “You have at last found 
the real rubber tree. This was taken from one 
of the small trees, but they grow to considerable 
height, and many of the trees yield about eight 
97 


98 


THE TEIBESMEN 


gallons of milk, when first cut, which produces 
two pounds of rubber. 

‘^But,” continued the Professor, “I have some- 
thing here that is more of a curiosity than any- 
thing else.’’ He drew forth a stem with a number 
of leaves, and peculiarly marked. ‘‘Do you notice 
anything odd about this?” 





All of them examined it intently, and finally 
Tom remarked : “Wliy don’t you remember, Ralph, 
we saw these branches in the savage huts fre- 
quently, but I have no idea what they used them 
for.” 

“This is the carricature plant. If you will look 
closely the outline of human faces can be seen. 
Look at this leaf, the resemblance is plain. Among 


CATARACT AND ITS MARVELS 99 


the savages these leaves are plucked as charms, 
and the more distinctly they are marked the more 
potent they consider them. It is something like the 
ideas of many people about the four-leaved clov- 
ers. So civilized people are not so very far above 
the savages, after all.’’ 

In the afternoon of the third day they ap- 
proached the vicinity of the Cataract, and Harry 
and George were wild to make their way forward 



TiiaTter . 


SO the yaks were constantly urged to go on, and 
it frequently made traveling difficult for those 
who were walking. Ralph and Tom were kept in 
the wagon, but insisted that the Professor and 
John should take their places there, and would not 
listen to their protestations. 

About three o’clock Observation Hill was sight- 
ed, and there, proudly floating, was the flag. When 
the attention of the boys was called to it they al- 
most wept for joy at the sight. 

“Oh, how good it feels to see that old flag again,” 


100 


THE TRIBESMEN 


was Tom’s comment, as he tried to brush away 
something that looked like a tear. ^^How far are 
we away now!” 

‘^Not more than two miles from home, but the 
hill is three-quarters of a mile farther.” 

Angel was in his element now, as the home was 



sighted, and he danced and capered, just as George 
did. The Professor and John were in the wagon, 
and Harry asked the Professor to take the reins, 
and before any of them knew what he was about 
was out of the wagon and on a run down the hill, 
followed by George and Angel. 

Ralph and Tom followed suit, and they made a 
procession that gave great pleasure to the Pro- 


CATAEACT AND ITS MAEVELS 101 


lessor, as he saw their joyous spirits exhibiting 
themselves. 

John’s eyes lighted up, 'and the Professor noted 
the look of xJe^isure on his face. It was so good 
to see the steady increase in the developing intel- 
ligence. When they left two weeks before John 
was listless, and often entirely without any indica- 
tions of what was going on all about him. The 
only characteristics were shown at intervals, where 
he would, probably, recall something, or instinc- 
tively be brought into contact with a former phase 
of his life; but now those periods seemed to be 
vanishing, and he became a more normal being 
at all times, without showing the marked eccen- 
tricities. 

The boys reached the home, and Harry opened 
the door, and stood ready to receive and welcome 
their new companions. 

^Tien the wagon came up John and the Pro- 
fessor marched up, and the latter approached with 
the deference of a courtier, and John, noting the 
attitude of the Professor, made a like obeisance, 
and this act, so gracefully performed, was such 
a wonderful and startling thing that the boys 
were completely stunned. After making a show 
of welcome to the Professor, they walked over 
to John and offered him a welcome that was most 
touching to him. 

The Professor and the boys now felt that they 
could not, in their future conversations, make any 
allusion to him, as there was an evident dawning 
of his intellect, and nothing must be said to at- 


102 THE TEIBESMEN 

tract his attention to it by discussing his condi- 
tion. 

Angel was in the rafters for a moment only, 
and then down and darted into the kitchen. Not 
for a moment did he rest content at any spot until 
he had investigated every corner. Wasn’t that 
a boyish trait? When the whole house had been 
exhausted, he was over at the water wheel, and 
the boys followed, but they did not take in every 
arm and blade of the wheel, as he did. Then to 
the shop, and always leading the boys, who were 
after him with shouts of merriment. 

“Oh, isn’t this wonderful !” exclaimed Tom. 
“What a glorious time you must have had in build- 
ing these things? And just to think of it, we 
were so near you, and in misery all the time;” 
and he said it in such a regretful manner that it 
drew forth the sympathy of all. 

Nothing in the world could have hindered John 
and the Professor from following up and witness- 
ing the scene. Angel didn’t try to run the saw- 
mill, or to turn the lathe, but he did the next best 
thing, he jumped on the grindstone and sent it 
spinning while running over the top, a trick he 
had learned and which was one of the ways he 
had to help out George and Harry when at work. 

If you should argue from now until you get to 
the end of this book that Angel did not know 
what he was doing during these exhibitions, and 
that it was only the act of an animal, it would not 
have convinced the boys. From the shop they vis- 
ited the laboratory, and here the boys got their 


CATAEACT AND ITS MARVELS 103 

first real shock, as they saw the skeletons which 
had been taken from the cave. 

It was all so remarkable to them that they did 
not know what to say or think. Here was intelli- 
gence directed from the first. How different had 
they utilized the intervening time. It was a mo- 
mentous lesson, they were smart enough to appre- 
ciate what they saw and learned. 

am so happy to know that we have been per- 
mitted to become a member of your family,’’ said 
Ralph, as he grasped the Professor’s hand. ‘‘All 
this around here is certainly worth seeing, and it 
makes me long to take a hand and help, and I know 
that Tom feels that way, too.” 

Before the Professor could reply George stepped 
up and put his arm around the Professor. “If 
you boys only knew how beautiful he has been, and 
how patiently he has urged us to carry out this 
work, you would almost wish, as has been our 
desire many times, never to leave this place; but 
— of course, we — we want to see home — and,” and 
the tears came, and Ralph and Harry and Tom 
broke down and wept, and they turned away from 
each other to hide their emotions. 

When they turned and tried to be very brave 
again, the Professor, who was not ashamed of the 
tears which fell, smiled through them, and his 
voice rang out with a cheer that made every face 
bright, as he said: “The most satisfying thing 
in life is appreciation. My boys have been heroes. 
I have done nothing ; it is their work. I have felt 
ashamed, sometimes, to know how little has been 
the work of my hands. Occasionally they have 


104 


THE TEIBESMEN 


been directed, but it is because they wanted to 
know so many things and the reasons for every- 
thing they started out to do. You can see, there- 
fore, that if they had not possessed the spirit 
to accomplish these things, the little that I have 
tried to impart to them would have been of no use. 
I merely allude to this to show you that it is not 
knowledge or information that makes the world 
move or induces men to progress, but it is the 
spirit which takes hold of and utilizes the intelli- 
gence.” 

The new additions to the family now necessi- 
tated an entire rearrangement of their quarters. 
The house, which had been built up in sections, so 
to speak, contained three rooms, one, the original 
portion, being now the store room, to which was 
added a living room and a kitchen. 

Commenting on this, and with all together, to 
get some understanding of the plans, the Pro- 
fessor outlined his views: ‘^We have been put- 
ting up our structures here in the way usually fol- 
lowed in all rural communities, where there is 
plenty of room, by first erecting a little shanty, 
and then adding another room to that, and a little 
lean-to on the other side, and as the family grows, 
enclosing the lean-to to make another room, and 
then adding to that, and so on, until the whole 
mass makes a more or less picturesque structure, 
and a fine thing for artists to rave over. But the 
interior comfort is quite another thing. We should 
change that in this civilized community, and put 
up a building that will be not only comfortable 
and adapted for our necessities, but also artistic, 


CATARACT AND ITS MARVELS 105 

and it will cost ns no more than to do it in a 
slovenly, inartistic way. I imagine we can make 
good terms with the carpenter and the bricklayer 
and the decorator so as to reduce the cost as much 
as possible and all enjoyed the Professor’s little 
joke. 

It was Harry’s turn to offer a few suggestions : 
“We have about everything we need now, except 
food. The barley is all gone — ” 

“What, all that we left in the bin?” asked George. 

“Something has gotten into it and carried it all 
away.” 

“We shall have to investigate that the first 
thing,” suggested the Professor. “Fortunately we 
haven’t threshed out one of the stacks, and that 
will give us plenty of exercise for a day.” 

“What, have you a stack of barley here?” was 
Tom’s eager question. 

“Oh, yes,” replied George, “and we make the 
finest kind of bread. I am sorry we can’t offer 
any to-day.” 

It was so long since they had tasted bread that 
its name was almost forgotten. 

All returned to the house. The Chief was still 
there, and he looked at the group in a curious way. 
Everything in sight attracted his curiosity, and 
the Professor tried to make him feel at home in 
his new surroundings. His wounds were progress- 
ing favorably, and he was now able to stand on one 
leg without much pain. At the suggestion of the 
Professor, Harry made a pair of crutches, which 
were brought in early the next morning, and he 
took them and imitated the act of walking with 


106 


THE TEIBESMEN 


one of his legs raised up. This was a novel pro- 
ceeding for the savage, and after they had been of- 
fered to him several times the Professor urged 
him to try them. 

Comprehending what was wanted he struggled 
to his feet and reached for them. When they were 
adjusted he leaned forward for the first step, and 
a look of surprise came over him. It was a revela- 
tion to his poor untutored mind. It lighted up 
into an expression he had never exhibited before, 
and he thus received the first lesson on the route to 
civilization. 

It was amusing to see him make one attempt 
after the other, and before night he could travel 
about fairly well. What must have been his 
thoughts as he saw the busy workshops and the 
surroundings of the home to which he had been 
so unwillingly brought? At every opportunity the 
Professor cultivated his acquaintance. As time 
wore on he became communicative in his way, but 
it was difficult to bring things to his mind and 
comprehend the language used. 

He was first taught to name certain things, such 
as the different foods ; and it did not take long to 
learn what “Yes” and “No” meant, and when 
handed anything particularly appetizing it was 
finally associated in his mind with “good.” Thus 
step by step he acquired a small vocabulary of 
words. 

The first task in the morning was the threshing 
out of barley. Chief, as he was called, witnessed 
the task, and picked up and fondled one of the 
flails, like a child caressing a new toy, but he 


CATAEACT AND ITS MARVELS 107 

did not have the remotest idea what the thresh- 
ing of the barley meant until the beaten straw had 
been removed and the golden grain was winnowed 
out. 

And there was another thing that interested him 
immensely, and that was the grist mill, composed 
of the two stones, and when the water wheel was 
set in motion and the upper stone began to whirr, 
he stood with mouth and eyes open, and watched 
the meal running from the spout like one en- 
tranced. Usually these people are too stolid to 
pay attention to such things, but his intense inter- 
est was so pronounced that it attracted all who 
witnessed it. 

He followed every step in the preparation of the 
flour and in the making of the bread, and when 
the loaves were finally deposited on the table, it 
was some time before he could gain sufficient com- 
posure to taste it. When he did so eventually the 
amount he ate was enough commendation of its 
quality to satisfy the most egotistic baker. 

Tom became the constant companion of Harry 
in the workshop, as he was a lover of the mechan- 
ical arts. Ralph had the spirit of adventure, and 
was the counterpart of George, who liked to inves- 
tigate. These two became the animated question 
marks of the party. On every subject they took a 
leading part. 

The second evening George brought out his 
home-made violin. This was the occasion for an- 
other surprise. Red Angel was at the feet of 
George in an instant. Tom could not keep his 
hands still, as he had also learned to play the in- 


108 


THE TRIBESMEN 


stniment, and ventured to suggest that he would 
like to assist in building a bass viol, and not to 
be outdone Ralph offered to construct a flute. 

The violin that evening was another link in the 
chain which was to eventually convert a savage 
into an instrument of untold value to the people 
of that island. At first Chief could not understand 
it. He tried to see where the wailing noise came 
from and pressed closer and closer to George as 
he played. When George played another tune in 
quick time he became animated, and slow, plain- 
tive music seemed to subdue him. 

‘‘Do you know,” said the Professor, “that what 
we call music does not appear as such to savages. 
Noise and sound are not distinguished by them. 
The beating of their crude tom toms is the only 
thing that appeals to their ears. That is simply 
noise. Rhythm and time are recognized, princi- 
pally because all their music is associated by some 
act of dancing.” 

“I have often wondered why it is that dancing 
is such a universal custom?” ventured Tom. 

“Among all ancient peoples it formed the integ- 
ral part of religious ceremonies, and is even to- 
day practiced by many of the eastern Christians 
in that manner. It was the custom of the Jews 
from their first historical account, as shown in the 
account given in Exodus, where Miriam the pro- 
phetess, sister of Moses, took a timbrel in her hand 
and went out with the other women with timbrels 
and dances. The Hebrews had a regular chorus 
in the Temple, with dancing performers of women ; 
and the dance was adopted as a fitting close to 


CATAEACT AND ITS MARVELS 109 


the feast of the Tabernacle, when the rulers of the 
synagogues, the doctors of the schools, and even 
the members of the Sanhedrin, accompanied the sa- 
cred music with their voices, and leaped and danced 
with torches in their hands until morning.” 

‘^Do you think the savages even in these western 
islands use the dance as a religious ceremony?” 

‘‘All tribes in the Island of the Pacific, and I 
might say, over the entire world, associate these 
dances with religion, with war, and with some fes- 
tive commemoration of events. I dare say that you 
boys have witnessed some of those rites.” 

Ralph responded to this: “We saw that happen 
on the occasion the victims were sacrificed by the 
savages who captured us, as I related in my story 
the other day. The other tribe also had a dance, 
but it was . so entirely different that we both no- 
ticed it at the time.” 

“Your observation was correct. As in clothing, 
and in the matter of decorations, so different peo- 
ples show their dancing characteristics by different 
traits. This is true of all civilized people as well. 
Of these, the best known, which I might mention, 
are the tarantella of the Neapolitans, the bolero 
and fandango of the Spaniards, the mazurka 
and cracovienna of Poland, the cosack of Rus- 
sia, the redowa of Bohemia, the quadrille and co- 
tillion of France, the waltz, polka and gallopade 
of Germany, the reel and sword dance of Scotland, 
the minuet and hornpipe of England, the jig of 
Ireland, and the last to capture America is the 
tango.” 


CHAPTER IX 


THE WOKK AT THE CATAKACT. MAKING WEAPONS 

The directing hand of the Professor, assisted 
by John, who was present everywhere when work 
was to be done, was manifested when the hour for 
retiring came. There was an abundance of clean, 
sweet straw, and the boys temporarily took up 
their quarters in the shop, while the Professor, 
John and Chief occupied the living room. 

All this had been arranged for by John, so that 
when they went to bed that night happy and con- 
tented, it was to take a rest that was free from 
troubles and worries, and it was a welcome relief 
after two weeks of wandering, coupled with the 
most exciting adventures. 

The boys had hardly quieted themselves for 
the night, when a peculiar scratching and scraping 
noise appeared at their door. They intently lis- 
tened for a while, and George quietly slipped to 
the door. He heard a familiar sound from with- 
out. Red Angel was there, and next morning the 
Professor laughingly said that it is likely he did 
not relish the company in the house, as he came 
down to the door after the boys left, and by his 
peculiar style of talk said he wanted to get out. 

In the morning the Professor called the work- 
ing force together, and suggested that as good liv- 
ing was a necessity, and could also be made a 
pleasure, they should so divide the different occu- 
110 


MAKING WEAPONS 111 

pations as to make each feel that he had some 
special responsibility. 

He pointed out four things which were essential 
to their welfare. First to replenish their store 
of vegetables ; second, to secure game or meat of 
some kind; third, the cultivation of the garden; 
and fourth, the manufacture of clothing, of which 
all stood in need. 

When J ohn came to their home he was supplied 
with practically all of the surplus goods on hand, 
and a new stock of ramie fiber had not been pre- 
pared since that. The boys’ clothing had been sup- 
plemented by the goods taken from the wagon top, 
and while heavy garments were not required, it 
was noticed that the articles first made from the 
ramie were growing threadbare. 

Footwear was really of more immediate neces- 
sity than clothing. Kalph and Tom had no shoes 
whatever, as the only ones they had were taken 
away when first captured. It is singular how hard 
the feet can become when deprived of protection. 
Throughout Africa, where the natives*never wear 
them from the cradle to the grave, the soles of the 
feet become hard and bony, and thus enable them 
to travel over any kiud of surface without injury. 

It was fortunate that they had three tanned 
hides, and when John looked at the denuded feet 
of the boys, and at his ovm condition, the sight of 
the hides was enough to set him to work. The 
first thing that engaged his attention was the mak- 
ing of a set of lasts, and then the ramie fiber was 
twisted for threads ; after which he sought out the 
lumber pile to make pegs, and selected some of 


112 


THE TEIBESMEN 


the dried shellbark hickory for this purpose. Thus 
he imposed one very needed duty on himself. 

At George’s suggestion a new stock of the ramie 
fiber ought to be supplied, and he, with Ealph, 
took the yaks, and their guns, in order to do double 
duty, to bring in a new quantity, and at the same 
time supply the table with game. As they were 
leaving the Professor called out : “If you go near 
the ledge of iron ore bring in a few hundred 
pounds, and also some clay. You ought to take the 
picks and shovels along.” 

Harry and Tom went across the river to visit the 
garden, which was now overrun with weeds, and 
the entire day was spent in putting that in order, 
as they hoped within a few weeks more to com- 
mence gathering supplies from that source. The 
garden had been started before they sailed away 
on the voyage which ended so disastrously to their 
vessel. 

While all this was going on it must not be 
thought that the determination to again visit the 
enemy’s country had been relaxed. Before going 
on another trip preparations must be made, and 
they did not intend to run short of ammunition 
the second time. 

With that object in view, the moment the pres- 
ent need for food and clothing was provided for 
it was agreed that all efforts should be made in 
the direction of preparing weapons and ammuni- 
tion. There was still a good supply of copper at 
hand, as well as lead, which had been previously 
extracted. 

Thus the party put in several days of ardent 


MAKING WEAPONS 


113 


work in the directions indicated. One morning, 
while the garment-making was in progress, Angel 



e^ngel, hi^ Tmur^ait.andtheOim, 


appeared wearing one of George’s discarded jack- 
ets. He strutted around in the most comical way, 
admiring himself, and, apparently, enjoying the 



114 


THE TEIBESMEN 


sensation of being clad. It was amusing to see 
him hunch his shoulders as he looked at the jacket. 

George laughed, and so did Angel. ^AVell, we 
must make you a suit sure.” Everyone, even to the 
Professor, took a part in the proceeding, but John 
couldn’t see a way to fit him with a pair of slides. 

As usual, whenever opportunity offered, the 
Professor was out prospecting in the hills. When 
he returned several samples of new minerals were 
deposited in the laboratory, and when the party 
gathered there that evening Kalph was the first 
to notice a reddish ore which had been found dur- 
ing the day. 

^AVhat is that. Professor!” 

‘Tt is a very fine sample of Cinnabar.” 

never heard of it before. What is it used 

for?” 

‘Tt is the ore from which quicksilver, or mer- 
cury, is extracted.” 

‘‘Wouldn’t it be fun to make a looking glass?” 

“It is used for that purpose, but we have use for 
it in making a thermometer, as well as a barom- 
eter,” answered the Professor. 

“Will it be much trouble to take the quicksilver 
out of the ore?” 

“No, it is a very simple process. Metallic mer- 
cury is easily volatilized, and separated from the 
gangue, at temperatures far below redness. Our 
closed retort would be admirable for the pur- 
pose.” 

“Do you mean by volatilizing that it is put into 
a steam?” 

“Volatilizing means to convert it into a gas. 


MAKING WEAPONS 


115 


and this gas, on coming into contact with a cooling 
surface, is converted into a mercury, which we 
have in a liquid state, and is called the metallic 
mercury.” 

''Are there other kinds besides metallic mer- 
cury?” 

"Oh, yes ; it may be in the form of a nitrate, a 
sulphate, a chloride or an iodide. The chloride is 
very poisonous, and is known as corrosive subli- 
mate. It would be just the thing to rid the stable 
of the rodents that took the barley.” 

One morning the Professor called the boys to- 
gether and informed them that it had been the 
custom to take a certain day each week for hunt- 
ing or other recreation, and suggested that they 
continue the practice. 

"I should like to go over to Observation Hill and 
see the flag you made,” said Kalph. All agreed to 
this heartily, and the merry party set out, after 
being fully equipped, as was always the custom. 
Eed Angel formed one of the party, of course, and 
in lieu of a gun, George had made a stick in imi- 
tation of one. He was immensely proud of 
this acquisition, and actually hugged it when it was 
presented to him. From that time forward it was 
his constant companion. 

When the Hill was reached, Angel made for the 
pole, and with his gun in hand, scrambled to the 
top, giving out his peculiar chuckling noise, which 
indicated delight. 

"Why the gun doesn’t seem to make any differ- 
ence in his climbing,” exclaimed Tom. 

They scanned the broad sea, and who shall say 


116 


THE TRIBESMEN 


what their thoughts were as they silently stood 
there. For some reason when they started to 
go down the hill they were not so jolly as when 
going up. Their course was directed to the east, 
but just why no one knew. It seemed as though 
they were simply drifting, each with his own 
thoughts ; but Harry soon banished their reveries. 

^Het us follow the beach down to South River,” 
he suddenly exclaimed, and all were glad that some- 
thing had been said dr suggested. It was so easy 
to turn them from gravity to cheerfulness, and 
probably Harry was trying some of the ProfessoFs 
medicine on the boys. 

At every step of the way, and in every action, 
the boys now realized that the work of the Pro- 
fessor had been imprinted on them. Tom and 
Ralph went along glancing superficially at the vari- 
ous objects, but it was entirely different with 
Harry and George. Every depression, and each 
succeeding elevation, or clump of trees, or any 
object beyond the ordinary, was closely scrutinized 
by them. 

This course soon became noticeable to the boys, 
and called forth a comment from Tom. ‘‘Yes, we 
are always hunting for something. That was a 
trait which the dear old Professor taught us, and 
it would surprise you to know how many things 
we found out by that quality. We have always 
since found it a pleasure in doing so.” 

Ralph reflected a moment, and he replied: “I 
can now see where we made many mistakes dur- 
ing the past year by not adopting that plan.” 

They passed to the east around the bend, and 


MAKING WEAPONS 


117 


then followed the small bay which indented the 
shore, and finally moved out along the peninsula, 
which terminated in a cape east of the mouth of 
South Eiver. 

“I have often thought,” observed Harry, ‘‘since 
we have lived here that it would be a good plan 
to name the different capes and bays, just as we 
did with the rivers and streams.” 

“Good idea,” answered Tom; “but I think we 
ought to make a survey of the place. Have you 
never done that!” 

“No; but we talked of it several times. Let us 
get the Professor to help us with that on our next 
holiday trip.” 

From the cape where they now stood an unob- 
structed view was had to the south. To the south- 
west were the mountains, beyond which Kalph and 
Tom had their bitter experiences. An explana- 
tion was made of the course of South Eiver, the 
mouth of which was plainly visible ; the story was 
told of their trip up the stream with the first boat 
which had been built by them ; how, after they left 
it at the foot of the high Falls, ten miles inland, 
it had disappeared when they went for it ; the re- 
covery of the boat at the beach to their left, some 
months afterwards, when it contained strange oars 
and ropes ; their second trip to the Falls, and the 
finding of the Investigator's lifeboat; and their 
hunting experience in the forest below the river, 
and the discovery of the huts. 

All this made a wonderful impression on the 
boys. The story of the lifeboat was the most re- 
markable to their minds, because it brought up 


118 


THE TEIBESMEN 


the first recollections of some inklings which they 
had heard about other castaways. 

‘^DonT you remember, Tom, when the second 
tribe got us, we saw some trinkets, and a few 
pocket knives, and when we tried to find out about 
them they removed them!’’ 

“Yes, and Illoga, the Chief, I am now sure, tried 
to tell me about them, because in the effort he held 
up four fingers, which we couldn’t make out. Don’t 
you remember! I think they took the knives 
away, because they were afraid we would take 
them. Didn’t you ever notice how jealous they 
always were of their own property!” 

The party now went inland, and devoted the rest 
of the day to hunting, and brought home a splendid 
lot of game. 

That evening the foregoing conversation was 
related to the Professor, who remarked : “If there 
is one thing savages and all low orders of people 
are noted for, it is the tenacity in retaining their 
property. Of course, that is not an uncommon 
trait with all people, but it is particularly well 
developed in the savage. One phase of this came 
to my attention some years ago, when a merchant 
told me that the poor people of India bought more 
locks than all the rest of the world combined. He 
further stated that in the principal cities there 
immense stores could be found which handled noth- 
ing but locks. Those statements were so remark- 
able to me that I inquired the reason, and learned 
that every native, although he may have trinkets 
worth less than a dollar, would invariably have a 


MAKING WEAPONS 119 

lock, worth half as much or more, to keep it 
securely.” 

“We have been thinking over the plan of survey- 
ing this part of the island and giving names to the 
main points ; what do you think of the idea?” asked 
George. 

“The plan has my hearty approval.” 

“It occurred to us that on our next holiday we 
could devote the day to that purpose.” 

The Professor burst into a fit of laughter, to 
the surprise of all. That didn’t seem to be very 
comical to them, and they looked inquiringly, as 
they joined in the laughter. 

“So you are going to do work on your holidays 
hereafter.” And he laughed again. 

“Well, that wouldn’t be work; it would be fun;” 
and, after reflecting a moment, Tom continued: 
“Probably it wouldn’t be fun to do it every day, 
right along.” 

“I think you have struck the keynote of the 
whole subject of recreation. The word comes 
from re-create. It means the refreshment of the 
strength and spirits by some diversion. The great 
difficulty with most people is that the recreation 
they take is really a burden to them ; when, there- 
fore, you can take a holiday, where you accom- 
plish something, and make fun out of that, you 
have solved the greatest problem of civilized 
life.” 

“Well if we are to survey the island we ought 
to have an instrument for the purpose.” 

“That is not necessary. It would be much bet- 
ter tor have a theodolite, but it will take some time 


120 THE TEIBESMEN 

and very careful work to turn out such an in- 
strument.” 

‘Tn what way is the instrument so much more 
useful than without, and how can we do survey- 
ing without it?” 

‘Tt does two very important things : First, the 
telescope, which is a part of it, enables the ob- 
server to see much farther and with greater ac- 
curacy; and, secondly, it has a graduated scale in 
degrees which shows the angles. Without these 
two important qualities we should be compelled to 
run our lines for short distances only at each 
sighting, and at each observation it would be nec- 
essary to provide a means to get the exact angle 
with reference to the last line projected. Those 
features, together with the compass, make the in- 
strument an important requisite for correct sur- 
veying.” 

The boat house was one of the places last to 
visit, because there was so much to do in the 
various directions that they had little time to de- 
vote to the marine end of their various enter- 
prises. Harry suggested that sailing would be a 
most desirable outing at different periods, and all 
consented to the task of rigging out the lifeboat. 

The Chief was now so interested in everything 
he saw that he indicated a desire to take a hand. 
The Professor was delighted at this beyond meas- 
ure. He was gradually acquiring the language, 
as a child would, and his troublesome leg was heal 
ing rapidly. The one fear was that, as they had 
no means of confining him, he might take the first 
opportunity to leave them, and this was an dcca- 


MAKING WEAPONS 


121 


sion of more than one talk; but all agreed that 
no serious consequences would result from his 
desertion, since it was the belief that he would not 
attempt to bring his tribe against them. 

The only possible danger from his returning 
was the likelihood that sooner or later his cap- 
tivity and the knowledge of their location on the 
island would find its way from tribe to tribe, and 
in that way at least two of the tribes with which 
they had come into contact might seek revenge. 

Chief went to the boat sheds for the first time, 
after the events above related, and the one thing 
which caught his eye was the lifeboat. He started 
at first, and then made his way toward it, and 
looked at the Professor, whose eye was quick to 
note the movement. He was asked if he knew 
anything about it, and answered affirmatively, but 
when he was questioned whether his tribe had 
possession of it at any time, no intelligent re- 
sponse was made, as he evidently misunderstood 
what was asked. 

One of the first weapons which they constructed, 
after iron had been recovered from the ore, was 
a bolo, and a number were subsequently manu- 
factured. To this they added several spears. All 
weapons were kept out of Chief’s reach, and the 
boys were cautioned against permitting him to 
learn the mechanism and use of the guns. He 
always looked longingly at the bolos, from the time 
he had witnessed their dextrous use. 

On this occasion the Professor handed him one 
of the spears, and he was not only pleased but 
appeared to be extremely gratified at the act. 


122 


THE TEIBESMEN 


He balanced it in his hand, and held it up in the 
attitude of throwing it. When they were return- 
ing to the shop, Chief balanced the spear, and 
without the slightest effort threw it fully fifty feet 
against a tree, striking a light portion of the bark 
w^hich he had evidently aimed for. This was the 
signal for applause and clapping of hands. 

Harry ran for the spear and returned it to Chief, 
and all ranged up alongside to witness his per- 
formances. The boys secured spears, also, and 
made the attempt to throw them, but they fell far 



short. When Harry attempted to make the trial, 
Chief seized it, and took his hand, and showed 
how to hold it to make an effective throw. 

The trick consisted in grasping the stem tightly 
between the thumb and edge of the palm, with the 
little finger below the stem. The boys watched 
the proceedings with interest, but could not un- 
derstand why that method of doing it was most 
effective. 

The Professor came to the rescue. “The throw- 
ing of the javelin, the proper term for all weapons 
of this character, was an interesting thing from 
the earliest times. The lighter weapons are thrown 


MAKING WEAPONS 


123 


by grasping them between the thumb and the two 
first fingers; but the heavy ones like this need a 
firmer grasp, and on account of their weight are 
not so easily kept in a horizontal position when 
in the act of impelling it forwardly. When, how- 
ever, the spear is grasped in the manner shown 
you, the little finger, and the next finger to it, 
both act to guide the stem, and by practice they 
can be thrown with great accuracy.” 

This javelin-throwing match was the means of 
bringing the Chief and the boys nearer together 
than anything else that had transpired, and it 
began to make them take an interest in him, which 
was not the case theretofore. What really af- 
fected Chief more than anything else was the con- 
fidence imposed in him some days after, when 
Harry gave him one of the bolos. It was almost 
touching to see the joy he expressed. The Pro- 
fessor thought it would be a stroke of policy to 
have the present come from the boys. 

Although he was still limping and unable to move 
around with any celerity he was out using the bolo 
at every opportunity. Here was an opportunity, 
as the Professor explained, to show how intelli- 
gent direction would not only be serviceable to the 
Chief himself, but that its possession would turn 
its use into channels that would be of value to him. 

The gift made him particularly grateful, and so 
several days afterwards Harry and Tom, by a con- 
certed arrangement, took the yaks, and the truck 
which had been previously made to haul in the 
flagpole, and, motioning to Chief, set off for the 
woods. A fair-sized tree was selected, and the 


124 


THE TRIBESMEN 


boys, without a word to indicate that they wanted 
him to assist, began to cnt down the tree. 

He looked on wistfully for a time, and then 
edged his way over and made a motion to take 
Harry’s place, to which he assented. It was now 
impossible for Harry to regain his place at the 
tree, and when it fell he acted and looked like a 
conqueror, and Harry patted him on the back as 
a token of his good work. A section of the butt 
of the tree was cut off, and loaded on the truck, and 
dragged to the sawmill. The end had to be squared 
otf, and Chief insisted on doing this, the use of 
the exceedingly novel tool being the greatest pleas- 
ure, evidently, that he had ever enjoyed. 

The fixing of it to the reciprocating saw frame 
was a marvel to him, and when he saw the boards 
cut off his joy knew no bounds. The proceedings at 
the sawmill delighted the Professor. have al- 
ways contended, as heretofore expressed, that the 
same motive which prompts us to do things with 
pleasure is to know that we are doing things which 
produce results.” 

And then Harry did another graceful thing. 
He turned up a number of brass balls which he 
gave to Chief. If there is one thing a savage 
loves better than another, it is something round. 
That is why beads are so attractive, and buttons, 
and small trinkets of that kind. They are like 
children in this respect. Put a cube and a ball, 
both of the same material, before a child, and he 
will usually select the ball. It is a psychological 
phase which has never been explained; and the 
same test has been made with monkeys. 


CHAPTER X 

UNAWARES IN THE ENEMY’s COUNTRY 

During the evening, while engaged in their 
nsnal discussions the surveying implement was 
brought up, and it was understood that a crude 
instrument should be made, so that it would be 
ready within the next week. 

While speaking on the subject of laying oft the 
segments into degrees, the former matter of ob- 
serving the heavens was alluded to, and Ralph 
inquired why all calculations of the heavens were 
made by degrees. 

^‘Because degrees mean angles and not meas- 
urements. Positions or distances are determined 
by angles and by measurements in miles.’^ 

^‘But in looking at the stars how can mariners 
tell where they are, simply by getting the angles f ^ 

^^That is a matter which can be calculated with 
such accuracy on the high seas that the distance 
can be determined with absolute certainty to 
within three or four miles. Furthermore, when 
the moon is shining, a mariner, even without an 
instrument, will be able to make a pretty accurate 
determination, if the moon is in sight.” 

^^This is interesting information, and I would 
like to know how it is done.” 

‘^Simply by noting how far the moon is from 
some fixed star. It is difficult to explain this 
without making a drawing of the heavens or draw- 
125 


126 


THE TRIBESMEN 


ing a map which shows the positions of the fixed 
stars, and the two sketches (Figs. 13 and 14) that 
I have drawn out will, I hope, make it clear to 
you. The first figure (13) is a map of the sky 
for the northern hemisphere, and the second 



drawing (Fig. 14) of the southern hemisphere, 
where we are. 

‘^On the maps I have shown the fixed stars and. 
named them, those of the first magnitude being the 
largest, those of the second magnitude a little 
smaller, and so on, but I have not by any means 


IN THE ENEMY’S COUNTEY 127 


indicated all of the second and third magnitude 
owing to their great number.” 

There had always been a secret grief in the 
hearts of Harry and George at the loss of the 



boat at the mouth of South River, and the Profes- 
sor joined in their wish to recover it at the first 
opportunity. Harry again alluded to it on 
this occasion, and it was decided that such a trip 
would be a welcome change. 

The trip could be made in the wagon, and by 


128 


THE TEIBESMEN 


consent the four agreed to undertake the journey 
and bring it back. 

have often thought it might be done by tak- 
ing the lifeboat,” was George’s idea, “and we could 
fix it up there and sail it back.” 

“It does not seem to me that would be practical, 
because it is too much damaged to repair in such 
a way as to make it safe for such a journey, and 
if that plan should be adopted all of us should go, 
and we cannot leave for the length of time neces- 
sary to repair it.” 

“Then we had better take the team. Do you 
think. Professor, we could haul it back?” 

“If you can load it there will be no difficulty 
in that particular.” 

It was decided to start the following morning, 
and a supply of provisions was stored in the 
wagon, and before starting the Professor made 
the following suggestions: 

“When you get there the top must be removed — 
that is the bows and covering ” 

“Why, we haven’t any covering to it now. We 
had to use it up for clothing.” 

“I had forgotten all about that. I supposed the 
top had been taken off when we took it out to haul 
in the supplies. That being the case the boat, 
when it is loaded in, upside down, will make a 
splendid top for you for camping purposes.” 

“How long will it take to make the trip!” in- 
quired Tom. 

“Not to exceed five or six days, because we 
know every step of the way, and we can push 
along pretty lively.” 


IN THE ENEMY’S COUNTRY 129 


The start was not made until about ten o’clock, 
and Angel was on hand with his inevitable gun. 
They did not forget the usual accompaniments of 
such trips, namely, guns and ammunition, to- 
gether with the spears and holes. 

“This is certainly a jolly lark,” sang out Ralph, 
as they neared the forest. He and Tom had fully 
recovered from their weakened condition, and were 
able to take their part in any of the work which 
was necessary. 

“Which way shall we take!” asked George. 

“The road directly through the forest, for the 
reason it is much better than the route near the 
sea.” 

The four young spirits made wonderful prog- 
ress toward the goal, as they had a light load, 
and every minute seemed to be precious. What 
hunting was done was on the route itself, and they 
had mutually agreed that there should not be any 
wandering on the part of either. 

The first night the camp was made on the hanks 
of the Cataract, well within the woods, and not 
far from the scene of their first exploits with the 
two bears. 

“I wish we could come across more of the same 
kinds of bears that we met in these woods,” said 
George. 

“But the forests south of South River are the 
places for the animals. Didn’t George tell you 
about our hunting there?” 

“No,” answered Ralph; “but I want to go there 
when we get back.” 

During the first night Angel was restless, as 


130 


THE TRIBESMEN 


usual in tlie woods at the merest sound, and 
George tried to find out the cause of the uneasi- 
ness. 

^‘Wasn’t it near here that the wildcat attacked 
us!” asked George. 

“I believe you are right. Possibly he has 
scented another one.” 

^‘Suppose we take a peep out,” Ralph whispered ; 
and taking their guns, they stole down from the 
wagon. 

They silently stood by the wagon, peering 
around in the darkness. 

^‘They will be up in the trees,” said Harry. 
‘Wait — I see something; look up to the right, a 
little to the left of the opening through to the 
sky.” 

“Two balls of fire could be distinctly noticed. 

“That is one of them, if it isn’t something 
larger. What shall we do!” 

“Ralph, you and I will aim and fire at it, and if 
it makes a dive for us George and Tom can take 
the next shot. Get in the wagon quietly, and 
prepare.” 

“Now, ready, aim, fire !” Something came down 
from the tree faster than an ordinary descent. 

“Get into the wagon, quickly,” and suiting the 
action to the word, they leaped up quickly. 

“Don’t shoot, George, until you see something 
definite to shoot at.” 

Something went crashing through the under- 
brush, and Angel, who was their monitor, in- 
creased his alarm. 

“I believe it is making for us.” 


IN THE ENEMY^S COUNTRY 131 

The boys who had shot were now prepared with 
the newly loaded guns and awaited the attack, but 
beyond the plain movement of the leaves, and what 
appeared to be breaking twigs, nothing could be 
discerned, until George almost screamed, as he 
saw the object above them, high in the branches. 

“Here is a chance for a shot! And Harry and 
Ralph both aimed and fired at the same moment, 
and the animal came down with a crash and landed 
near the wagon, but was up in an instant, and 
appeared to spring out through the forest. 

Angel quieted down, and this gave George as- 
surance that they were rid of the animal. 

The second day was not filled with stirring 
events, and they went along with considerable 
speed, and judging from their former estimates 
the distance traveled during the two days must 
have brought them fully forty or fifty miles from 
home, so they counted on being able to reach the 
location of the boat some time during the follow- 
ing day. 

Before noon of the day they sighted the West 
River, but they reached it at an unfamiliar point. 

George and Harry looked at each other in sur- 
prise. “It does seem to me,” said Harry, “that 
we must have made some miscalculation in coming 
from the woods. If I am not mistaken we are 
miles south of the place we ought to have aimed 
for.” 

. Beyond question the direction was to the north, 
and the team was headed for that direction, their 
route being near the river, as the ground was 
much smoother, and speed was thus made. 


132 


THE TRIBESMEN 


^‘What is this?” asked Ralph in consternation. 
‘‘Here are tracks.” 

The trails were examined, and Harry solved the 
question by the assertion that it was the tracks 
made by their own wagon when they escaped from 
the savages on the other side of the river. 

“What idiots we have been to expose onrselves 
to the savages.” 

“We mnst leave the river bed now, or we may be 
discovered,” was George’s answer, and the yaks 
were guided to a higher elevation, and urged for- 
ward at a higher speed. 

Selecting a secluded spot the noonday halt was 
made, and a hurried luncheon provided, but be- 
fore they were ready for a start, Angel, who was 
in the branches of a tree, began his chatter, which 
caused George to spring toward the direction of 
the tree. 

“Come down, Angel; come down!” This was 
always heeded by the animal, and it was plain 
that the direction of the approaching danger was 
from the north. 

Springing to a small, low-branching tree, he 
crawled up, and Angel followed and looked to 
the north, and the sight that greeted him was suffi- 
cient to cause a hasty descent, and he ran toward 
the wagon and met the boys, who were coming 
toward him. 

“What is it?” asked all in excitement. 

“Savages.” 

“And if I am not mistaken, they are the same 
tribe that had Ralph and Tom.” 

The two boys almost paled at the words. Ralph 


IN THE ENEMY’S COUNTEY 133 


made his way back to the wagon on a run. 
they attempt to take me again, I will never sur- 
render.” 

“Are they coming this way!” 

“Yes; and they are not a quarter of a mile 
away.” 

The yaks were unyoked, and had not been 
hitched up, so they were led behind the wagon, 
following out the plan previously adopted, as it 
would have been useless to attempt to avoid them. 

“Shall we attack them the moment they ap- 
proach?” 

“I believe,” answered Ealph “that is our only 
hope.” 

“How many could you see in the party ?” 

“About a dozen.” 

The wagon had been camped behind a clump of 
shrubbery, not over twenty feet from the small 
rivulet, and to the north of them the stream made 
a slight turn, so that the party appeared in view 
to the watchers as soon as they reached the wagon, 
and Ealph was the first to recognize their late 
enemies. 

To the surprise of the boys, the savages stopped, 
not a thousand feet away, but on the opposite side 
of the stream, and built a fire preparatory to 
cooking some game which had fallen into their 
hands. 

“Well, this is interesting. They are going to 
have some luncheon, too. Wouldn’t this be a good 
time to slip away?” 

“I am afraid,” answered Tom, “that it would 
be a dangerous business. The creaking of that 


134 


THE TEIBESMEN 


rear wlieel would put them on our track at once. 
Couldn’t we grease the wheel?” Tom was very 
much in earnest now. 

As quietly as possible the wheel was removed, 
and some very good butter, the only thing avail- 
able, was used to ease it up, and the wheel was 
gotten back in quick time. 

Unfortunately the wagon tongue pointed toward 
the river, the very direction which they dared 
not go, for fear of exposing their presence, so they 
had to push the wagon back, by their combined 
energy, and as noiselessly as it could be done 
the team was yoked on and slowly moved south, 
and after traveling a quarter of a mile or more, 
directed toward the river, and then northwardly, 
thus making a wide circle in the effort to avoid 
their camp. 

“I’d much rather shoot them than to run away,” 
was Tom’s opinion of the situation. “The dirty 
rascals ; they are known to be the meanest set on 
the island, and we oughtn’t show them any mercy.” 

By this time the boys were worked up into a 
fighting fever. 

“I think we can lick the whole lot of them, and 
for my part, I am willing to wait here and take a 
shot at them; what do you say?” Ealph was 
really mad at the demons, as he called them. 

The boys looked at each other. Harry was the 
only one who seemed to have the situation well 
in hand from a true hunter’s standpoint. “If we 
stay here you will certainly get an opportunity, 
or I am very much mistaken.” 

“Why do you say so ?” asked Tom. 


IN THE ENEMY’S COUNTRY 135 


‘‘For the plain and simple reason that they will 
cross our tracks in all probability, and that will 
mean an easy trail.” 

“But how vdll they know which way to go after 
us? They may go down to the river.” 

“Well, they wouldn’t be such idiots as to go in 
the opposite direction that the footprints of the 
yaks plainly show.” 

The boys had not thought of that. 

“And then there is another thing, that just 
occurred to me. If they follow our tracks from 
the camping spot they will know we have made the 
detour in order to avoid them, and that will make 
them only the more anxious to make our closer 
acquaintance.” 

Harry had hardly stopped speaking before the 
voices of their enemies were discernible. 


CHAPTER XI 

THE KUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS 

The wagon was now driven behind the densest 
chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind 
the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed 
position with a pair of extra guns, at each side. 

Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed 
the command, now made the following observa- 
tions as to their course : “Remember the Profes- 
sor’s instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until 
you are perfectly sure the shot will count. And 
by all means don’t use the reserve guns, except 
as a last extremity. The moment you fire, retire 
out of sight, and reload, and we should try and 
fire in separate volleys. Two shots at a time, un- 
less they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more 
effective, than if all fire at the same time.” 

In a short time the band appeared, and it was 
well that they had no idea of the distance the 
boys had traveled, as they came along rapidly, 
following the plainly made tracks of the wagon. 

“Now, ready boys ; Tom and I will give them the 
first shot, and you may fire the moment I give 
the command. Ready, Tom; fire.” 

Both shots took effect, and the astonishment of 
the savages, was exhilarating to the boys. 
George and Ralph could hardly restrain them- 
selves. The warriors were in the open, and had 
little brush to serve as a shield. For a moment 
136 


EUSE TO ESCAPE PUESUEES 137 

they were entirely at a loss to know which way 
to go. 

“Give them a shot,” whispered Harry, and as 
the two guns spoke, two more fell, both wounded. 
Without waiting for another shot the rest of them 
broke for the rear, and the boys appeared in the 
opening. 

This was not necessary, as the depletion of the 
fighting force was a sufficient argument for them 
to retreat. 

“Hitch up the team as quickly as possible,” and 
George and Ealph did not wait to witness the 
flight. Harry and Tom remained on guard. 

“Move the wagon to the north, and stop at 
every good place of concealment, and we will 
remain as a rear guard. We have no assurance 
that they will not follow up the attack.” 

After the wagon had gone on some distance, the 
two boys slowly effected a retreat in the trail of 
the wagon. Only eight savages had been left 
after the two fires. 

During one of the temporary stops Harry ob- 
served: “When they retreated we saw eight of 
them, and there are now only six following. 
What do you suppose that means?” 

“Those people are regular devils, and it is my 
opinion that there is another force of them near, 
and the others have gone to bring reinforcements.” 

“Eun to the wagon quickly and tell them to 
force the yaks forwardly as fast as possible. 
Wait just a moment.” And Harry looked to the 
north and continued : “Do you see the two large 
trees in the distance, a little to the left? Tell 


138 


THE TEIBESMEN 


them to drive for that with the utmost speed, 
and await our coming.” 

Tom was off, and imparted the information, and 
Harry kept on retreating, while the scouting party 
approached very cautiously, the apparent object 
being to keep within sight of the trail. 

When Tom returned Harry said: ‘T suppose 
we had better give them another shot, to hold them 
off as far as possible. At the next place of con- 
cealment, let us wait for them, until they are near 
enough.” 

The savages were now very wary, and did not 
attempt to come within gunshot distance of the 
place of concealment for some time, but when they 
had approached sufficiently near both fired, only 
one being wounded. 

Without waiting to determine the results of the 
last volley, the boys made a rush for the next 
available plaice of concealment, and as the wagon 
was now in sight they selected another object far 
beyond the present position of the wagon, and 
Tom was off to inform the boys at the wagon. 

Thus, by a succession of marches, the wagon 
was placed fully a mile beyond the pursuers, and 
when the last stretch was made Harry made the 
following suggestion: 

‘As we have now kept up our course for fully 
three miles in this direction, tell the boys to turn 
abruptly to the east, and, if possible, take the 
wagon over a trail which they cannot follow. 
Select some object beyond so we will know where 
the line of retreat is, and I will keep them at 


EUSE TO ESCAPE PUESUEES 139 


bay. In this way we may be able to throw them 
off the track.” 

The team had made the last stop at the crossing 
of one of the little streams, and he had the in- 
gennity, after Tom imparted the last information 
to him, to drive the team to the west, for a dis- 
tance, and then tnrn it abruptly to the east, and 
by making his way over the most rugged surfaces 
he could find, so effaced the tracks that it was 
hoped they could not find the traces. 

llHien Tom returned, Harry had another ruse: 
‘‘They are not following the wagon trail now, as 
they are after us. Now let us direct our course 
to the west, so that we will not go on the trail 
which the wagon had made, and occasionally show 
ourselves, so they will follow, and when we have 
taken them sufficiently far from the course of the 
wagon we must depend on our own tricks to evade 
them.” 

This plan was put into immediate execution, and 
by the time the two had gone a quarter of a mile 
beyond the turn which the wagon had made, they 
turned eastwardly, in the direction of the wagon, 
keeping well out of sight, and it was a relief to see 
them finally pass along the trail far beyond the 
turning point which they had made, and this was 
evidence that they had been outwitted. 

Harry and Tom now sprinted for the direction 
of the wagon, and a course was laid for the north- 
east, as they did not want to go too far from the 
mouth of the river where the boat lay. 

They calculated the distance to travel at about 
eight miles before reaching the river. The only 


140 


THE TRIBESMEN 


fear now was, would their pursuers keep up the 
hunt until the sea came in sight? If they did it 
meant another tight, or a retreat, with the only 
hope of securing the boat gone. 

“We have a ticklish task before us. We must 
cross the river before we get to the location of 
the boat, and if they are anywhere in the neigh- 
borhood, our tracks will surely be seen,’’ and 
Harry was at a loss what suggestion to make in 
such an emergency. 

“It seems to me,” ventured George, that one 
should take the rear, as a guard, the one front 
keeping within supporting distance of the wagon 
at all times. In this way we will not run into the 
party, and we shall then know whether they are 
still trailing us.” 

This seemed the proper thing to do, and it was 
followed at once, Harry taking the rear guard and 
Ralph acting as advance scout. 

Fully three miles was covered, before the sun 
admonished them that a camp must be made for 
the night. The selection of a suitable place was 
a matter of great concern, as may be imagined. 

They went on and on, ever in the search for a 
suitable place, and it was beginning to grow dusk 
before their minds could agree as to a safe place. 
Probably they passed a dozen spots more suit- 
able than the one finally selected. Hut it was that 
much nearer the river, and that was some satis- 
faction. 

The utmost care was taken to put the wagon and 
the yaks in a protected position, and all that night 
two were on duty. Angel, during the entire time. 


EUSE TO ESCAPE PUESUEES 141 


was quiet, and did not scent the approach of an 
enemy. 

Early in the morning a hurried meal was pre- 
pared, and while the preliminary steps were taken 
for a departure Harry and Tom made a scouting 
tour to the southwest for nearly a half mile, and 
returned satisfied that they had temporarily, at 
least, thrown them off the track. 

It was a surprise to find the river within a half 
mile of their last camping place. If they had 
known this they would have pushed on and at- 
tempted the crossing during the night. But there 
was no help for it now. 

^^How far do you think we are from the mouth 
of the river, Harry 

‘^This part is unfamilar to me, but it is no doubt 
south of the point where we crossed it on our 
way home.” 

^‘Do you think we ought to cross here or go 
down still farther?” 

Ealph and Tom both urged an immediate cross- 
ing, for the reason that as the savages were not 
in sight, they might as well take advantage of the 
situation, whereas if they continued down the 
river, they might again come across the tribe, and 
which would by this time be materially reinforced. 

This seemed the part of wisdom, and the work 
of getting out the raft timbers was vigorously 
proceeded with, and within an hour the yaks were 
driven into the water, and the wagon floated. 

The wagon had hardly left the shore before 
Ealph cried out: ^‘See the devils coming. They 
reached the clearing, but out of gunshot, and the 


142 


THE TRIBESMEN 


boys smiled at their discomfiture, and when the 
opposite bank was reached the boys halted the 
wagon, removed the logs, and sat down to witness 
the chagrin of the natives. 

wonder what they think of themselves by this 
time,” said Ralph as he heartily laughed. 

The savages had been reinforced, as was appar- 
ent, for more than thirty were plainly visible, and 
their tactics in following up the wagon was now 
apparent. 

“Let us give them another little shock.” All 
eyes were now on Harry, as he continued; “I 
suggest that we get into the wagon and move 
into the interior, hiding the wagon in a safe place 
beyond, and then return to this mass of brush 
here, where we will be entirely concealed. As this 
is not more than thirty feet from shore we will 
be in good position to watch the crossing and at- 
tack them if they attempt to venture across.” 

The plan was adopted with alacrity, and seating 
themselves in the vehicle, they waved a salute to 
the party and started off as fast as the team 
eould be urged on. 

Instantly there was commotion in the ranks of 
their enemies. They rushed down to the bank, 
and engaged in an animated conversation. 

The boys carefully crawled back to the brush, 
and witnessed the evident attempt to decide on a 
course to pursue. 

“Do you think they will cross?” 

“I wish they would try it,” answered Ralph. 
“Oh, wouldn’t that give us a chance at them !” 

“I do believe they are going to try it.” 


EUSE TO ESCAPE PUESUERS 143 


Two of tlie warriors started for the water, and 
plunged in, and the boys looked at each other in 
surprise. 

“Ralph, do you think all of those fellows will 
try it?” 

“No, indeed; those fellows don’t like water, and 
if our experience in crossing the river, when they 
took us back with them, is any indication, they 
have very few who can swim.” 

“But the difficulty is that they can raft across.” 

“That is just the reason why I thought a little 
surprise of this kind might make them think bet- 
ter of it, and not try it.” 

“You must remember,” answered Tom, “they 
live on this side of the river, and they are bound 
to get across some time.” 

“I know that, but their rafts are no doubt miles 
up the river.” 

It was now plain why they determined to follow 
up our party. Their own territory had been in- 
vaded, and this came to all of the hoys with a 
shock. The getting of the boat was now a most 
hazardous operation. 

They saw the two savages swim from the shore, 
and remained quiet until they came within thirty 
feet of the shore. 

“Now,” said Harry, “the moment they start to 
wade, let us make a rush for the bank, and we 
will have them at our mercy.” 

Each of the warriors carried a spear, hut no 
other weapon, but those on the opposite shore had 
bows, as well. 

The surprise and consternation on the faces of 


144 


THE TRIBESMEN 


the savages, when the party appeared, was too 
remarkable to describe. Their first action was to 
turn, but Ralph cried out : ^‘Hola, hola,’’ and Tom 
laughed as he now remembered the savage word 
for “stop.” 

They did “hola,” but for a moment only, and 
then diving down in the water, attempted to make 
their escape. 

The boys were now on the brink of the stream, 
and not more than twenty feet away from the 
struggling men. “Hola, hola,” shrieked Ralph 
and Tom in concert, as they aimed their guns at 
them. 

“That devil in front is the fellow we want to 
get. He is the meanest of the entire outfit. Oh, 
yes, you remember me, don’t you!” Ralph contin- 
ued, talking to the savage. “I have a notion to 
bore a hole through you.” 

The savage raised himself, and evidently be- 
lieving his hour had come, did, as all savages do, 
poised his spear, as he raised himself out of the 
water, and attempted to throw it. But before he 
could execute the movement, a shot from Harry 
threw him back into the water and his spear dis- 
appeared. 

During this commotion the other savage dived, 
and he must have been an expert, because the boys 
shot three times before he showed any evidence 
of being hit, and then it was only a wound. 

The boys ran back to their place of concealment 
to get the reserve guns, and during that period 
the wounded one floated out into the stream and 
the boys made no further effort to reach him. 


RUSE TO ESCAPE PURSUERS 145 


The chief, as Ralph called him, was undoubtedly 
struck in a vital spot, as he disappeared and re- 
appeared, while slowly floating down with the cur- 
rent. 

The boys retreated behind their shelter, and sat 
down to rest and recover from the excitement of 
the last fifteen minutes. 

Meanwhile, what were the savages beyond do- 
ing? Consternation seemed to seize them. They 
ran back and forth, and shouted to their com- 
panions in peril, and Ralph and Tom both tried 
to make out the meaning of the warning cries, 
but were not sufficiently versed in their jargon to 
comprehend. 

‘‘Well, boys, we have kicked up a pretty serious 
muss, and we might as well give up the boat.” 

Tom, who seemed to have some very good ideas, 
suggested a plan that had considerable merit, and 
they were now considering it. 

“My scheme is this : Let us now make a show 
of retreating into the interior to the west, cover- 
ing our tracks as best we can. Then turn to the 
north, for a mile or two, and go back to the river 
and cross, and then make for home as fast as we 
can travel.” 

“That is a first-class plan,” was Harry’s reply; 
“but I think two of us should remain here in order 
to keep up a show. We can exhibit ourselves at 
intervals, while the wagon is proceeding on its 
way, and the moment the wagon reaches the river, 
those with it can get the floats ready, so that when 
the scouts reach the wagon it will be ready to 
cross.” 


146 


THE TEIBESMEN 


Ealph and Harry volunteered to act as tlie rear 
guard, and the wagon went forward, making a 
wide detour to the north and finally veered around 
to the east, reaching the river fully a mile below. 
Fortunately, a lot of driftwood was in convenient 
reach, and the spot was hidden by a bend in the 
stream, so that it was not at all likely the sav- 
ages would see them from their low position at 
the river bank. 

The wagon was on the brink of the stream, and 
the logs ready, still the boys in the rear did not 
appear. 

“Don’t you think I had better go back and let 
the boys know we are ready?” 

“Yes, Tom, and tell them to hurry.” 

The fact was that the providential pile of drift- 
wood made the task an easy one for the boys, and 
Ealph and Harry were only too much relieved at 
the news to wait a moment longer than was neces- 
sary. 

The savages were still on the opposite bank. 
Was it likely they were inactive? Harry did not 
think so, as they noted parties disappear at vari- 
ous times, and again others came up, thus indi- 
cating there was some movement on foot. 

“Before we start now, it would be a capital idea 
for all of us to show ourselves, and then make 
a cautious break for the wagon.” 

Without exposing themselves too ostentatiously, 
the start was made directly to the rear, and then, 
as they left the river in the rear, and beyond the 
sight of their pursuers, turned to the north, and 


EUSE TO ESCAPE PURSUEES 147 


relieved George of the great tension of single- 
handed guarding the wagon. 

Without waiting for any explanations the yaks 
were driven in, and the opposite shore reached. 
Quickly denuding the wagon of the raft timbers, 
the trail was taken up for home but they were 
too hungry for words. 

^AVe canT stop to set up the stove and arrange 
our kitchen now. Let us take such things as we 
can find, and eat on the way.” 

Harry’s advice was followed. And now they 
recognized the country through which they were 
going. It was almost the same trail over which 
they had traveled twice before, and it went through 
the roughest part of the island, and when they 
made the first trip with the team they had to go 
south to get into a part of the country which was 
better suited for easy traveling. 

‘^The trouble is we cannot safely go south now, 
as it will bring us too close to the savages, and 
we shall have to bear up with this bad ground 
until to-morrow noon, at least.” 

By night fully fifteen miles had been covered, 
but it was a terrible strain on the poor animals, 
and not any the less wearing on the wagon. The 
ground was broken up into little hillocks, and 
studded with vegetable growth in such dense tufts, 
that constant detours had to be made to get around 
them. 

When evening approached it was with a feel- 
ing of the greatest relief, and they certainly craved 
the rest. A careful watch was kept up during the 
entire night. They had, of course, no means of 


148 


THE TEIBESMEN 


knowing whether the savages had discovered the 
ruse, but there could he no question about the de- 
termination to revenge the death of their chief 
and of the others who had fallen during the day. 

As soon as it was light enough to see, and with- 
out waiting for the preparation of a breakfast, in 
the usual way, the trip was continued, and the 
western edge of the forest did not come near 
until near evening. They had eluded their pur- 
suers, and felt happy, and Ealph could not help 
expressing his satisfaction over and over, at fin- 
ishing the chief who had treated them so vilely 
while in captivity. 

Shortly after noon of the following day they 
reached home, and related their adventures. 

The Professor was not surprised at their fail- 
ure to bring the boat back. He was a little disap- 
pointed, but they were certainly in a better posi- 
tion to build a boat now than when the old one 
was undertaken. 


CHAPTER XII 


THE PKOBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 

That evening they all had a jolly time in the 
living room, with music and stories, and it was 
a great contrast to the strenuous times of the 
past six days of absence. 

“We got lost once,” said George, “when we 
struck the river at least eight or nine miles too 
far south. I tried to make out the direction by 
the two stars you spoke about, but I am afraid 
there will be several more lessons necessary be- 
fore I can get it in my mind.” 

“CouldnT you see the moon I” asked the Pro- 
fessor. 

“Yes, but that didn’t help me any.” 

“Get the map we drew the other night, and 
we’ll try and make it plainer. Now, if you can 
imagine the moon making a silver streak along 
the heavens, it would pass along such a route 
that the following fixed stars would be in its path. 
Note them carefully, as follows: Hamel, Alde- 
baran, Pollux, Regulus, Spica, Antares, Arkat, 
Fomelhaut, and Markab.” 

“But how can we distinguish one of the fixed 
stars from the others? That is a matter which 
has always puzzled me.” 

“Because of the company it keeps. Isn’t that 
like we judge people?” 

“I don’t understand what you mean.” 

149 


150 


THE TEIBESMEN 


‘^Eacli fixed star is set in tlie heavens with cer- 
tain others stars arranged about it in such a way 
that it cannot be mistaken.” 

AngePs antics now attracted the attention of 
the company. He had been on the floor while 
the music was being performed, hut disappeared 
shortly afterwards. He had his gun, and dodged 
from one chair to the next, and sighted his gun, 
and bounded away, as though attacking and run- 
ning from an imaginary enemy. 

This exhibition was a perfect mimicry of the 
boys^ attitude during the previous week. The 
comical manner in which he fought and eluded 
the enemy brought out roars of laughter, but this 
did not affect him in the least; he sprang to the 
rafters, and began to chatter in imitation of the 
way he had warned the boys, and then sprang 
down and hid behind a chair. 

But the acme of his exhibition was reached 
when he mounted the table and simulated the 
rocking motion of the wagon crossing the stream. 
George simply hugged him, and Angel joined in 
the laughter. 

But the boys wanted to know about John and 
Chief. John was there to welcome their return, 
and Chief came up soon after, and held out a 
welcoming hand, as he had seen the others do. Of 
course, he had no idea what the party went away 
for, nor did he comprehend the failure to bring 
the boat back. His education had not yet ad- 
vanced to such a state as would have made an ex- 
planation of that kind understandable. 

But John seemed to realize the story, and his 


PROBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 151 


eyes often glistened as they had not done before. 
On all these occasions the Professor was ever on 
the alert to notice his symptoms. 

During the following day, in conversation with 
the boys, he said : “There is every indication that 
John is beginning to make an individuality en- 
tirely apart from his former surroundings.” 

“But if he does not recall any of his former life^ 
how is it that he goes ahead and does things which 
he must have learned before he reached his pres- 
ent condition?” 

“That is plainly a manual act. For instance, I 
remember when the saw was put into his hand, the 
manner of holding it, and his act in starting the 
saw at the edge of the board, was a physical recol- 
lection of the former manner of doing certain 
things. It was so in the handling of the gun, and 
the adroit manner in which he stalked the savages, 
all go to show that certain things which are asso- 
ciated with purely physical acts are just as aptly 
done now as when in his other state.” 

“How is Chief getting along?” 

“He is often an enigma to me. Each day he 
learns something new, and really seems to seek 
the information. Most of the time he has been 
helping John, but he always looks suspiciously at 
him. I can account for it in one way only. He 
has never seen John talk, and this may be a puzzle 
to him, and accounts for the strange looks he al- 
ways gives him.” 

From the day that Chief saw the tree turned 
into lumber the mysteries of the workshop 
charmed him. This penchant was taken advan- 


152 


THE TEIBESMEN 


tage of by the Professor, and when the day fol- 
lowing the departure of the boys, the Professor 
started up the grindstone and ground one of the 
tools he edged up to it at once, and when the 
Professor reached for his bolo and put its edge on 
the stone, and finally showed him the result, he 
was as much excited as though he had discovered a 
lurking enemy. 

He used the grindstone day after day in the 
same manner, and when it was noticed how he de- 
lighted in it, the Professor took one of the tools 
which had been ground and used it on a fine stone, 
to show how much keener the edge was made. 

The saw was a marvel, and he tried it until he 
learned its use, .and a line was drawn across the 
board, and when he failed to guide it the Profes- 
sor smilingly corrected him, and he could not be 
induced to lay it aside until he had mastered the 
art of sawing along the line. 

In the evening George again brought out the 
maps of the heavens and asked why he had made 
the band which was traced in curves on the two 
hemispheres. 

^^They show the course of the moon through the 
heavens, and in order to get the position, the 
mariner measures the degrees between the moon 
and the nearest fixed star.” 

‘‘But if he hasn’t any instrument to measure 
degrees, how can he tell how to make the calcu- 
lation f’ 

“In that case he simply takes the yardstick of 
the heavens out of its box, and uses that as a 
measure.” 


PEOBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 153 


‘T never heard of such a thing before. 'Where 
is the box!” 

“In the constellation Orion, which contains the 
most beantiful cluster of stars in the heavens, and 
is visible all over the inhabitable world, are four 
stars which form a parallelogram. See them on 
the map? Betelguese and Eigel, at the extreme 
opposite corners, are of the first magnitude, and 
the others that form the other corners are Bella- 
trix of the second and Saiph of the third magni- 
tude. Two of the stars are in the northern and 
two in the southern hemisphere. Within the 
parallelogram thus formed, you will note three 
very bright stars in a line. These are exactly one 
degree apart, and is the yardstick the heavens are 
measured with.” 

Harry announced one morning that they had a 
new calf, and there was a rush of the boys down 
to the cattle range to welcome the newcomer. 
They had a fine herd, and seemed to be domesti- 
cated. Prom the time they acquired the first of 
these animals there was always an abundance of 
milk, and that meant butter, a thing which was 
very welcome to Ealph and Tom. 

Chief also enjoyed the luxury, but it was a re- 
markable thing that the savages had not anywhere 
in their observations utilized the herds which 
ranged to the north of them, and undoubtedly 
existed in the southern portions of the island. 
There was always plenty of beef on hand, and 
plenty of game was available whenever they had 
occasion to go for it, and their larder was well 
supplied with the wild vegetables, although they 


154 


THE TRIBESMEN 


had to go considerable distances for them at times ; 
but now that the garden was coming in they did 
not apprehend so much trouble in that direction. 

There was one thing which none of them conld 
understand in Chief. He would be seen frequently 
going over toward the forest, in the direction of 
the clay banks. He never tried to do this by 
stealth, but the Professor was anxious to ascer- 
tain the reason for it. 

One day while he was on his way to the same 
quarter, Harry took his gun, as though on a little 
hunting trip, and followed him cautiously. Chief 
made his way directly to the clay bank, and Harry, 
on the opposite bank, sat down to watch him. 

It will be remembered that in making their first 
experiments a considerable amount of clay had 
been dug out, for use in making the brick and the 
retorts required for the metallurgical processes. 
Chief took out a considerable quantity, and after 
selecting the amount which suited his fancy, sat 
down and ate it. Harry was almost disgusted at 
the sight, and made his way back hurriedly. 

The Professor and the others were waiting. 

^^lYhat do you suppose he was after? Clay! 
And he ate it 

This remarkable proceeding could hardly be 
credited by the boys. 

‘Ate it exclaimed George. “I think you 
must be mistaken.” 

Ralph looked at Tom, and immediately an- 
swered: “That is just what they did with that 
stutf we saw that the first savages had ; don’t you 
remember, Tom?” 


PEOBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 155 


never stopped to inquire; but I know they 
had something that looked like clay mud. I won- 
der if that was eaten by themf’ 

^^That is not so remarkable/’ observed the Pro- 
fessor. “It is a custom in many parts of the 
world.” 

“Where !” 

“In Eastern Asia, in Java, in the Himalaya 
Mountains, in northern Europe, particularly the 
remote regions of Sweden, in Finland, as well as 
in many parts of South America, particularly in 
Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, and many instances are 
known of this habit among the savages of the 
Pacific islands.” 

“Can thev live on the clay for any length of 
time?” 

“Humboldt, the great geologist, relates cases of 
tribes in South America which live for at least 
three months at a time on this substance, with- 
out any apparent ill effect, but from all the analyses 
made there does not seem to be anything nutri- 
tious in it. I am not surprised that Chief should 
have a knowledge of it.” 

Chief returned after an hour, apparently well 
satisfied with himself. 

Since their return Harry and George had many 
times thought and talked about the cave. They 
debated whether or not to advise the boys of its 
existence, but could not satisfy themselves of the 
proper course to pursue. They were not selfishly 
considering the entire possession of the treasure. 
In fact they were too generous for that, but the 
boys would know sooner or later, and it was a 


156 


THE TEIBESMEN 


question whether to disclose it now or later on. 
In this dilemma they called on the Professor. 

‘T know just how you feel about it,” was the Pro- 
fessor’s comment, ^‘and I am not competent to 
advise you. It is your own property, and you 
may dispose of it as you wish.” 

‘‘But it isn’t our property. Without you it 
would never have been discovered, and we shall 
refuse to take it unless you share with us ” ex- 
claimed George. 

“No, Professor, I can never consent to that 
disposition of it,” was Harry’s determined expres- 
sion, “and for my part nothing shall be done in 
the matter without you agree with us on the course 
to follow.” 

The Professor reflected a while, and then an- 
swered: “As for myself I have very little need 
for it, and there is no one near or dear to me that 
I would willingly leave it to.” With his head 
bowed, he became silent, and then continued, in 
a most eager manner : “I had entirely forgotten. 
I have some who are near and dear to me; I 
ought to remember them, after all, and as you in- 
sist on it, you will pardon me, I know, if I con- 
sent to take a portion of it, at least.” 

“It must be divided into thirds. I am sure 
there is enough there to make a great many peo- 
ple happy.” 

“Weren’t you boys happy before you acquired 
this treasure?” 

“Yes ; as happy as we could be in our condition.” 

“Do you think the treasure in the cave would 
make you any happier than you have been?” 


PEOBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 157 

“Well, if we ever get out of here we can use it 
to good advantage.” 

“That is the whole secret of happiness with 
wealth — the knowledge of how to use it.” 

When they left the Professor the boys wondered 
why at first he declared that he had no one that 
he cared to leave the money to, and then suddenly 
remembered that he did have some whom he cared 
for. The Professor was as much a mystery to 
them as many of the things which had come to 
them during their sojourn on the island. This 
was, in fact, the only information that they had 
ever gleaned from him concerning his home, his 
family, or his friends, and that was very meager 
at the most. 

The boys were anxious to revisit the cave, and 
the Professor was pleased at their determination, 
but advised them to make the visit themselves, 
and to endeavor to find out the full extent of the 
subterranean windings, and also suggested that 
they should try to make a working chart of it for 
their own information. 

It was a little difficult now, since the close asso- 
ciation had grown up between Harry and Tom, 
on the one hand, and George and Ealph on the 
other, to find a suitable excuse for the absence 
of Harry and George, but the Professor arranged 
this without creating suspicion on their part. 

“I think Ealph is a mighty fine fellow, and we 
get along splendidly, and I don’t think I ever met 
a pair of more unselfish boys,” said George, as 
they walked up the hill. 

“That is my opinion, too. Tom is a most whole- 


158 


THE TRIBESMEN 


souled fellow, and we find so mncli that is like- 
able in each other, that I tell yon I do not feel 
like being so niggardly as to keep the knowledge 
of the cave and the treasure away from them; 
and I feel the more about it that way when I think 
of the terrible suffering they have gone through.” 

“Just my idea, exactly. How much do you 
really think there is in the cave? I mean, what 
do you think it is worth in money?” 

“I am sure the Professor knows. It would be 
awfully interesting to know. Isn’t it funny the 
Professor never said anything about the worth 
of it?” 

“Yes, he did. Don’t you remember, just before 
we left on the big trip he wanted to know whether 
we cared to take the risks among the savages, 
when we had so much treasure in sight?” 

“Yes, but that didn’t indicate whether there was 
a thousand or a million there.” 

When they reached the entrance to the cave, 
they sat down and talked over the matter again. 
The lamps were left unlighted, and they made no 
etfort to enter it. 

“I have half a notion to go back and talk to the 
Professor, and bring the boys over.” George 
looked at Harry inquiringly. 

“Do you really mean it?” asked Harry. 

“I do.” 

“Look over there; see who is coming,” said 
George, with a laugh. 

Red Angel was on the way with his gun. “You 
little rascal ! How did you find out we were over 
here?” He didn’t answer, but he went up to 


PEOBLEM ABOUT THE CAVE 159 


George and looked up into liis face, as though 
he didn’t quite understand that kind of a greet- 
ing. 

The boys picked up the lamps and went hack 
to the house, and the Professor was surprised 
at the early return, but he did not make any men- 
tion of it to either of the hoys, and nothing more 
was said about it during that day or evening. 


CHAPTER XIII 


THE ACCIDENT TO JOHN AND THE EESTOEATION OP 
MEMORY 

The island yielded an abundance of nuts of 
various descriptions, the most prolific being the 
Brazil nut, which grows in the form of a large 
sphere, from three to four inches in diameter, the 
shell being very hard, like the cocoanut, and when 
broken open is found to be filled with the segmen- 
tally formed nuts which we all know. 

This was gathered in large quantities, and was 
the principal source of oil which was used for the 
lamps, as they had no other means of illumination. 
To people in the habit of using the lighter mineral 
oils, and electricity, this was certainly primitive 
enough. The difficulty, however, with the gather- 
ing of the nuts was this : Unless gathered at a 
certain time it is almost impossible to express the 
oil, and if kept for any length of time, particu- 
larly in an unripe state, they would become very 
rancid. 

George pondered over this for some time, and 
asked the Professor the cause of it. In response, 
he said: “Nature has a very peculiar way of 
protecting her products. It is the same with nuts, 
as it is with potatoes and fruit. Have you ever 
noticed how unripe fruit withers, when taken from 
the tree, and that potatoes shrivel up when they 
are dug up before fully matured 
160 


ACCIDENT TO JOHN 161 

“That is the trouble with the whole batch of 
potatoes we now have.” 

“Unripe fruit and vegetables have an exterior 
coating which is porous and pervious to water 
when it is unripe. But when it fully ripens this 
coating is chemically changed into a thin, impervi- 
ous coating of a cork-like structure, through which 
water cannot pass, and as a result potatoes, and 
fruit, will keep through an entire winter and be- 
come mellower and better as time goes on.” 

The colony was dependent for its supply of eggs 
on the numerous flocks of prairie chickens which 
were found in the abounding fields of grain, par- 
ticularly barley. It was no trick to bag a half 
dozen of these birds at a shot, on account of their 
numbers, and, as before related, while Angel never 
ate any of them, he was the most persistent 
gatherer because the beautiful oval eggs attracted 
him, and George^s cakes always appealed to his 
fancy. 

The difficulty with Angel was he did not dis- 
criminate between the good and the bad eggs, and 
George was desirous of knowing how to distin- 
guish between the fresh and spoilt ones. 

As usual, the Professor was appealed to and 
he gave a standard rule for determining this : “As 
Angel brings in the eggs put them in a pail of 
water, and select only those which fall to the 
bottom and rest on the side. An egg several 
weeks old will remain at the bottom, but the large 
end will be much higher than the small end. If 
it is several months old the large end will be up- 
permost, with the small end pointing down ; and if 


162 


THE TEIBESMEN 


it is thoronglily rotten it will float at the top of 
the water, with the pointed side down.” 

^^That is a very curious way of finding it out. 
I would like to know why the egg acts in that 
manner?” 

^‘After an egg is laid, a chemical change begins 
to take place, and more or less gas is formed. 
This gas finds its way to the large end, and as the 
decomposition increases the egg becomes lighter 



Testing Eggs 

at the heavy end, and finally enough gas is evolved 
to bring it to the surface.” 

The most important work on hand was the con- 
struction of the addition to their home. After 
considering the matter in all its details, it was 
concluded to put up a building entirely separate 
from the other structures, to contain four rooms, 
one of them to be large and utilized as a common 
living room, and the others as sleeping apart- 
ments. 

The material had been taken out for the build- 
ing, and the Professor, John, George and Ealph 



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ACCIDENT TO JOHN 


163 


were engaged at this work, while Harry and Tom 
were engaged in the machine shop and were busy 
in turning out the barrels for new guns, as well as 
preparing the ammunition. 

The tools in the machine shop were not numer- 
ous enough to advantageously utilize more of them 
there, and the building was now very important 
to them, as the four hoys were compelled to sleep 
in the shop, for want of room in the house. 

The joist had all been laid for the lower floor 
and the studding now being put up and the upper 
joist laid on preparatory to erecting the rafters. 
John was an expert in building, and was really 
the directing hand at the various steps in the oper- 
ation. While engaged in the drawing up of the 
rafters, one of the floor pieces gave way, and 
John was precipitated to the floor below, striking 
as he fell one of the lower joist, which cut a terri- 
ble gash in his head and rendered him uncon- 
scious. 

The Professor rushed over to the fallen man, 
and the boys were on the spot to render assist- 
ance. Chief, who was also an interested worker, 
was the first to grasp him with his powerful arms, 
and disdaining the assistance of the others, car- 
ried him to the house and gently laid him down, as 
the Professor directed. 

Without a word he rushed for the jar of water 
and brought it to the Professor, who bathed his 
wounds, but the blow was so severe that he exhib- 
ited no signs of returning consciousness. 

Harry and Tom rushed over to the house in 
consternation, and exhibited the greatest grief. 


164 


THE TEIBESMEN 


you think he has been badly hurt? Do you 
think it is fatal?” 

‘‘It is still too early to determine that. See this 
wound? It was a terrible blow. As it is, directly 
above the ear, it may not be as serious as if he 
had been struck forward nearer the temples.” 

During the entire day John lay there, breathing 
with some degree of regularity, but with a greatly 
accelerated pulse, and the Professor was con- 
stantly watching this phase of the case. 

There was little sleep that night. All were too 
anxious to retire. Chief was on hand without a 
moment’s intermission. George prepared the 
meals, but the native never left the room even for 
the purpose of taking refreshment, and it was 
really pathetic to see this exhibition of sympathy, 
which was constantly alluded to by the Pro- 
fessor. 

“The Chief has in him the making of a man. 
The surest indication of a real human trait is 
just what he is showing. The lower man is the 
less he cares for his fellows.” 

During the night the fever was close to the 
danger point, and the Professor never left his side. 
As the day advanced the fever abated, and his 
breathing became more normal. Before noon 
there was a marked change. On the day of the 
accident, and during the night, John lay there 
motionless, and, aside from his regular breathing 
and a few periods of spasmodic twitchings, there 
was nothing to indicate that he was living. 

But he now became restless, and occasionally 
opened his eyes, and all stood intently watching 


ACCIDENT TO JOHN 


165 


him. All through this period his face was pale 
and drawn, but a color began to come, and he 
turned his head from side to side, and the inter- 
vals between the openings of the eyelids became 
shorter. At first the eyes gave a glassy stare, 
but now at each recurring stare the eyeballs would 
turn and search the room, and although he would 
gaze in the faces of the watchers, the look did 
not indicate recognition. 

Suddenly he opened his eyes wide, and grasping 
the covers drew himself forward and upward 
slowly, turning his head around from side to side. 
The Professor held out his hand, as a warning 
not to disturb him. He sat up and gazed first 
at one and then at the other. 

What a wonderful difference was exhibited in 
the eye. It was bright and lustrous, and every 
glance betokened a question. Not a word was 
spoken. It was so tense that the boys appeared 
to be hypnotized. When he had fully taken in 
his surrounding, he grasped the Professor’s hand, 
and said : “Where am I ? IVho are you With- 
out another word he sank back on the pillow ex- 
hausted, and the Professor leaned over him and 
quietly said: “You are yourself again; and we 
are your friends.” 

“Friends; friends,” he muttered to himself. 
“Yes; yes, I remember,” and his eyes closed, his 
limbs relaxed, and he passed otf into a quiet sleep. 

The boys filed out of the room, and the Pro- 
fessor, with a smile, despite the tears that fell, 
walked out without saying a word, nor did the 
boys ask any more questions. The Chief never 


166 


THE TRIBESMEN 


moved, but kept his eyes on John, and he did not 
even heed Angel, who came down from the rafters 
quietly, and passed out the door, and stood be- 
side George, and leaned his head against him, 
as the boys l)egan to whisper to each other. 

The boys had witnessed a scene which it falls 
to the lot of few to experience. The awakening of 
the faculty of remembrance is one of the greatest 
mysteries of human existence. 

John slept for three hours, and there was no 
thought of work or play. Barring the occasional 
visits of the Professor to see the patient, they 
were together. It was one of the most remark- 
able events in their lives. 

^TsnT it singular,” asked George, ^That he has 
never been able to talk since he has been with 
us?” 

“The medical term applied to the loss of that 
faculty is called aphasia. The function of speech 
seems to have its seat in a portion of the left side 
of the brain, and when that portion is diseased or 
injured, it affects the speech in many ways. Some- 
times the sufferer knows what he wants to say, but 
cannot utter the word ; at other times he will say 
the wrong thing, knowing that he is doing so, but 
utterly unable to prevent it ; it also shows several 
other phases where the sentences become dis- 
jointed, or meaningless, not due to lack of intelli- 
gence.” 

“Has no way been discovered whereby the dis- 
eased part can be cured?” 

“Operations have been performed with remark- 
able results, but not with uniform success. In 


ACCIDENT TO JOHN 


167 


some cases where the speech center is destroyed, a 
new brain center has been developed, and the lost 
power of speech recovered.” 

“I cannot understand Chief’s intense interest in 
John,” said Tom. 

‘^That is a peculiar thing. The savage, no 
doubt, considers him demented, and it is a sin- 
gular thing that people of low intellectual order 
among many people, believe the insane person is 
exalted, and are sometimes treated as deities.” 

Before noon the patient began to move about 
uneasily, and soon thereafter awoke. The mo- 
ment his eyes opened he looked at the Professor, 
who said: ^‘You are so much better. Are you 
hungry?” 

In anticipation of this event the Professor had 
asked the boys to prepare some delicacies for him 
the moment he awoke. 

As he had eaten nothing since the morning of 
the day before he replied affirmatively, and after 
he had eaten and the wound in his head was 
dressed, he began a series of questionings on every 
conceivable subject. 

are on an island, and there are a number 
of tribes here, with incessant tribal warfares be- 
tween them, and it appears that the principal oc- 
casion of the wars is due to the possession of the 
captives which they take from the toll of the sea. 
I was one of several unfortunates shipwrecked 
here over a year ago, during one of the worst 
storms that I ever saw at sea.” 

‘Tt was undoubtedly the one which we experi- 
enced, although we were the occupants of a ship 


168 


THE TRIBESMEN 


which had an explosion, and we were left adrift 
when this storm was brewing. But I must advise 
you to remain quiet for the day, until you regain 
your strength, and we can then tell our story, and 
we shall be glad to learn yours.’^ 

It was a joy to all to know that John had re- 
covered his memory, and Harry was anxious to 
present the match box, to see whether it was his, 
but the Professor advised against exciting him 
in the least until the following day. 

The Professor had not even asked his name, as 
he wished all to be present when the revelations 
were made. During the most of the day John 
slept. It appeared as though nature had ex- 
hausted herself in bringing about the cure. The 
wound, however, was a most serious one, and the 
Professor knew that the utmost care must be taken 
with a fractured skull, to prevent the setting in 
of complications which might injuriously atfecl 
the brain. 

‘^Do not feel any alarm about him now,” was 
the Professor’s injunction ; ‘^he is not at this time 
in a serious condition, and I believe his remark- 
able constitution will pull him through without any 
further trouble. In the meantime, let us proceed, 
with our work, and give him ample time to re- 
cover without any sort of harassment.” 

All returned to their duties with more cheerful 
hearts. It seemed as though something had been 
lifted from their minds. The second day after the 
event following the restoration of his reason, John 
would not be left in quiet any longer. 


ACCIDENT TO JOHN 169 

He sat up in his couch, and looked over the 
boys, as he greeted them heartily. 

“Do you remember mef’ asked Harry, as he 
held his hand. 

“Yes, I remember all of you, but I cannot re- 
member how you came to me, or how I met you, 
or where. I know that we went together on a 
journey, and I saw some things that made me 
think of things in the past. I don’t remember 
ever having been in this place before.” 

“Don’t you remember the shop, and the water 
wheel, and the building of the house?” asked the 
Professor. 

He looked around in a bewildered way, before 
answering: “The shop and the building? Where 
— when was that?” 

“At the time you fell from the building, four 
days ago?” 

“Fell from the building — ^what building?” 

“What do you remember about the trip we 
made?” continued the Professor. 

“I remember that we had a glorious fight, yes, 
several of them, and I remember some brave boys, 
the noblest fellows I ever saw — and you are the 
boys — I can remember you well — I never saw 
braver men in battle ; and I also remember seeing 
something which you gave me,” and he searched 
his pockets, and looked around to try and remem- 
ber what it was. “Probably, that was a fancy 
only — let me see,” and he stroked his forehead, 
as if trying to recall it. 

Harry reached down in his pocket and drew 


170 


THE TEIBESMEN 


forth the match safe and held it before him. ‘Ts 
this what you meanf^ 

He grasped it, and eagerly exclaimed: “Yes; 
that is what I mean.” 

“Are those the initials of your name, and is 
your first name John?” 

“Yes; John Lewis Varney. But who are you, 
and how did you come here?” 

“My name is Harry Crandall, and this is the 
Professor who was with us on the schoolship In- 
vestigator when she went to the bottom of the 
sea, following an explosion.” 

“The Investigator that was to have sailed from 
New York in September” — and he looked around, 
“September, last year?” he asked inquiringly. 

“Yes,” answered the Professor; “and this is 
George Mayfield, and here are Ealph Wharton and 
Tom Chambers. Do you remember we rescued 
them on the trip ?” 

He looked to the floor for a moment, and then 
slowly said: “I recall that also, but I do not 
remember how we got away from the savages.” 

At that moment his eyes fell on Chief, who had 
witnessed this remarkable scene, and he started 
up and leaned forward, and spoke to the Chief in 
his own language. This effect on the savage was 
electrical, who rushed up to the couch and clutched 
John’s hand. Then turning to the others, John 
continued: “Uraso knows me, but I doubt 
whether he recognized me in this bearded ap- 
pearance, because when our acquaintance began 
my face was smoothly shaven, and I had an en- 


ACCIDENT TO JOHN 171 

tirely different attire from wliat I acquired later 
on.” 

^‘We are all intensely interested in knowing 
your history, and how you came here; but first 
tell us what you knew about the Investigator. 
You seemed to know about the sailing date.” 

was booked to sail in her as one of the in- 
structors, but a serious illness, contracted in 
Africa, from the previous visit there, prevented 
me from accepting the berth, and she sailed with- 
out me.” 

‘TsnT that a singular coincidence,” exclaimed 
Ealph. “My uncle told me that one of his tutors 
at college, by the name of Varney, would be on the 
ship, and that is one of the reasons he so strongly 
urged me to sign for the trip.” 

“Your name — what was his name?” 

“Stratton; James Stratton?” 

“Jim Stratton, the big, healthy, jolly boy! 
Everybody liked him. And you are his nephew ?” 

Then turning to Chief the Professor asked: 
“Do you remember when and how we captured 
him?” John looked and tried to recall the inci- 
dent. “No, I do not now think of anything which 
is familiar, nor do I remember seeing him until 
a moment ago.” 

“But if you are not too much exhausted, we 
would be interested in the history.” 

“I do not suppose that my history, previous to 
reaching the island, would be very interesting, but 
as you have asked it I will briefly relate it. 


CHAPTEE XIV 
John’s wonderful story 

“I WAS born on the Atlantic seacoast in a small 
New England town. My parents were the richest 
people in the community, and it was their ambition, 
as it was mine, to finish my education at one of 
the great universities there; but shortly after 
my entrance as a student the entire fortune of 
my parents was swept away, and I was compelled 
to seek employment. 

“I was provided with a place in a commercial 
house in which my guardian was interested, and 
the only consideration shown me during the six 
months I remained there was the amount of work 
they could get out of me. Like many other boys 
I ran away, and took a position on a sailing vessel. 
This was the turning point in my career. 

was fortunate enough to fall into the hands 
of a captain who was, undoubtedly, an exception 
to his class, but he had in early years been a 
pedagogue, and seeing the disposition on my part 
to make a constant use of his library, of which 
he had a most wonderful store, he took me from 
the drudgery, which was my early lot, and made 
me his assistant. 

was a good penman, and before long I was 
entrusted with the position of recording and en- 
try clerk for the ship, and I took charge of the log, 
172 


JOHN’S WONDERFUL STORY 173 


and did things of that kind under his supervision 
during the long trip to Chinese waters. 

‘‘The trip among the western islands occupied 
two years, and I became an expert skipper as time 
went on, and many, many hours he and I sat up 
together and perused the wonderful books he had, 
and discussed a wide range of subjects which the 
readings suggested. It was a feast for me, and it 
was such a pleasure to him, which I know was 
real and unatfected. 

“Three years after my sudden disappearance 
from New Bedford the ship sailed into the harbor, 
and the first one to greet us was a beautiful girl, 
the daughter of the captain, and the first most 
graceful act of his was to bring her over to me, 
and I was presented to her. 

“I do not know how I ever passed the days of 
the following two weeks. Everything was a dream 
to me after I saw her, and I often imagined that 
the captain knew what my symptoms were. One 
day he called me to the cabin and said: ‘John, 
how do you feel about signing for another term of 
three years f My heart was so full that I an- 
swered: ‘Why for three years? Make it for as 
long as I live.’ The captain smiled and stroked 
his beard for a while, and then his countenance 
changed, and he said, ‘John, you know I am blunt 
and open in all my dealings, and you haven’t been 
treating me in that way.’ 

“That was the only time in the entire three 
years he had ever upbraided me, or found any 
fault, and I was so dumbfounded that I did not 
know how to answer, and when I recovered and 


174 


THE TEIBESMEN 


inquired in what manner I had offended him, he 
replied, T did not say you had offended me. But 
you love Harriet, and I know you do, and you 
have been trying to hide it from me.’ 

^^How had he learned that she and I loved each 
other from the moment we first met, and that we 
saw each other at every opportunity, and made 
mutual confessions of love I I started to apolo- 
gize, but he began to smile again, and I knew it 
was not so serious. ^Yes,’ he continued, T have 
charged Harriet with it, and she confessed, so it 
will not be necessary for you to defend yourself.’ 

‘‘We were in port for three months,-and Harriet 
told her father that she could not bear to have us 
both go away, and before the ship sailed we were 
married, a fine suite of rooms was set aside for our 
use, and I became the first mate of the ship, as 
well as the first mate of the most beautiful woman 
in the world. 

“Thus I passed a year of the happiest days that it 
was ever given man to enjoy. Together we gleaned 
the library for our recreation, and with music and 
song, it was one continual revel of bliss. But one 
day we steamed into a plague-infected port, where 
quarantine regulations in those days were not the 
best, and before we could take the proper pre- 
cautions the captain and my wife were stricken. 

“The terrible story that followed, the days of 
ravings, and finally the death of my wife, are too 
tragic to repeat in detail. The captain recovered, 
and, singularly, I escaped, and as soon as he had 
partially recovered I ordered the ship to sail away 
from that accursed place. 


JOHN’S WONDEEFUL STOEY 175 


^‘When the captain recovered he was a changed 
man. His daughter was the only thing to him 
in the world, and her happiness had been the great- 
est delight and pleasure. But now he rarely ap- 
peared at meals, and the handling of the ship 
devolved on me. I could not rouse him sufficiently 
to learn what course to take or what disposition to 
make of much of the cargo. 

“Two months after the sad event he called me 
to his cabin, and he was lying down, weak and 
emaciated. T have asked you to come because 
there are some things I want to place in your 
hands. I have no further use for them, as the 
effect of the plague has never left me, and I am 
glad of it. 

“ ^You may break the seal of this when T am 
dead.’ This was most heartrending, coming from 
a man I loved better than any one in the world ex- 
cepting my wife. He died that night, in silence, 
and without a soul near him. 

“We were then on the broad sea, west of Aus- 
tralia, and before the funeral services were to 
take place I opened the sealed package, and I 
learned that the ship and cargo, together with 
all securities and funds in the hands of his bank- 
ers, were willed to me, and I was enjoined to com- 
mit his body to the sea. 

“I changed the course of the ship to the nearest 
port, and sought the United States Consul, in order 
to register the papers, and to establish, by the 
record there, the new ownership of the vessel. 

“When I returned to the ship something seemed 
to prevent me from going aboard. *It was such a 


176 


THE TEIBESMEN 


weird and ghastly feeling that I did not rebel 
against the warning. Indeed, I was relieved that 
the indescribable something, which men sometimes 
in that condition feel, turned me away. The only 
thing that remained close to my heart were the 
things that my loved one wore, and those things 
she treasured, and the store of books. 

‘^All those I had removed, but I could never go 
aboard that ship again. I advertised the ship foi 
sale, and it soon found a purchaser, and I was a 
wanderer on the face of the earth. My parents 
were both dead, and I had no brothers or sisters 
living. 

Where should I 'go, or what pursuit should I 
follow? I went through India, listlessly, and from 
a Mediterranean port sailed for England — any- 
where. But we landed at Gibraltar. There I saw 
a troop of smart English on the way to Africa. 
I was imbued with the spirit of adventure, and 
I otfered to join, but was refused, as I was not 
a subject of the Queen. But later I knew how to 
correct that, and I sailed with the next detachment 
to the south, and for two years I took part in 
the Matabela campaign, where the fighting was 
more bitter and relentless than in any colonial 
contest England had ever engaged in. I was se- 
verely wounded, and sent to England at the close 
of my term of service and received an honorable 
discharge. In the meantime I learned that all the 
funds from the proceeds of the ship had been swal- 
lowed up in a bank disaster, where they had been 
deposited, and I was left with nothing but the 
little I had saved. 


JOHN’S WONDEEFUL STOEY 177 


‘‘My discharge finally served the purpose of se- 
curing me a position as a tutor to a young lord, 
and through him I later on obtained a berth as 
instructor in a well-known institution. But this 
was too tame for me. I went to Greece and en- 
tered the army, and fought through two campaigTis 
against the Turks, and when the war ended I took 
the first ship and sailed for New York. 

“Within a day after landing in that city I joined 
the army and was sent west, where, within six 
months, it landed me in a campaign under Gen- 
eral Crook against the Apaches of the Southwest, 
and was present at the capture of Geronimo, the 
most bloodthirsty devil that was ever permitted to 
live. From there we went to the north, and we 
had a repetition of the experiences against the 
most skilled warriors on the American continent, 
the Siouxs and the Arapahoes. 

“When my enlistment expired I had earned a 
lieutenancy, but I had tired of the turmoil of the 
past six years, and returned east and then accept- 
ed a position as Professor of Philosophy in the 
college where Jim Stratton was a student. 

“I was always fond of tools, and the machine 
shop on board our vessel was a constant source 
of enjoyment, and before I sold it I had become 
so proficient in the use of tools that I could make 
anything in wood or iron. 

“I enjoyed teaching, but the life was not free 
enough for me, and after five years of that drudg- 
ing life I sailed for Europe, and again visited In- 
dia, going to all the great ruins ; then to the scenes 
of the vast exploring fields of the Archeological 


178 


THE TRIBESMEN 


Societies, in Arabia, on the plains of Babylon, and 
in Syria. From there I turned to Egypt, the land 
of the greatest mysteries on earth. I went up the 
Nile far beyond Khartoum, and tried to interest 
myself in some of the interesting things that men 
are constantly bringing to light, and which go to 
show the great antiquity of men. I joined a cara- 
van to traverse the White and the Blue Nile, and 
to go over the trails made by Baker and Living- 
stone and Stanley. 

^‘Here, at last, seemed to be my work. It had 
enough of the charm in it on account of the hazard 
which accompanied us on every step, and this for 
the first time put me on my mettle to learn to 
dig out the hidden secrets, which caused it to be 
called the ^Dark Continent.’ 

^‘Am I tiring you? Well, then, in company with 
another adventurous spirit we traversed the most 
remote parts of that vast interior and met with 
adventures which may some time interest you. 
Thus four years were spent, without seeing civil- 
ization, and in a region where men hunted men for 
the pleasure of it. 

“I was hunting them, too, but it was not living 
men, but those who had died thousands and thou- 
sands of years ago. But that terrible sickness, 
the jungle fever, took hold of us, and when we 
emerged from the forests, and found our way to 
the nearest settlement my companion died, and I 
was again thrown back on the world. 

‘‘As soon as I could travel I sailed for New 
York, and the first man I met was dear Jim Strat- 
ton, who insisted that I must take a position as 


JOHN’S WONDEEFUL STOEY 179 


archeologist in the college with which I was for- 
merly connected, bnt this I declined, and seeing 
me in an emaciated condition suggested that the 
position of professor of philosophy in the ship 
training school would be the very place to give 
me the benefit of sea air and employment — the 
latter, particularly, because he knew how I had 
always been a fiend for work, and that I must 
be busy at something. 

^ J accepted, but a month before the ship sailed 
I was taken down with another serious attack, with 
complications of diseases, and recovered a week 
after the Investigator sailed. I took the train for 
the west, expecting to take advantage of the mild 
climate of California during the winter, and when 
I reached San Francisco I was greeted at the 
hotel by an old acquaintance vrho invited me to his 
room for a talk on a very important matter. 

^Jt turned out that he and a friend, who had 
considerable money, were about to purchase either 
a good, strong sailing vessel, or a small steamer, 
which was to go in quest of buried treasure 
which the chart had indicated, this treasure being 
the freights of many of the Castilian ships of 
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and in 
certain places the hoards of the buccaneers that 
infested the western seas. 

^‘Here was an opportunity to recuperate, and it 
had plenty of action in it to suit me, and I joined. 
We sailed from the port in the latter part of De- 
cember, about the time you were passing through 
the Straits of Magellan. 

‘We had a fast sailer and a staunch boat, but 


180 


THE TRIBESMEN 


my friend was unwise in the choice of the sailing 
master, but this did not hamper us much during 
the ordinary course of sailing, but in a short time 
he with several others of the crew attacked us and 
attempted to capture the ship. In the battle which 
followed my friend was killed, and his friend dan- 
gerously wounded. This was the condition of af- 
fairs when the terrible monsoon struck the vessel. 

‘‘That terrible sea and the danger to the ship 
settled all difficulties. The master was too full 
of drink to take charge of the ship, and the mate 
was not much better. I took command, and for 
four days we maneuvered the ship to keep it from 
foundering; at the end of that time the master 
recovered momentarily, and, securing possession 
of a revolver, cleared the deck and prevented us 
from handling it. 

“He resisted every effort to capture him, and as 
a last resort I wms compelled to shoot him. This 
was a signal, notwithstanding our perilous condi- 
tion, for the intimate associates of the master to 
range themselves against us, for we now had only 
four men against the seven who were in league. 

“I did not want to take human life, and I re- 
frained from this last step, and as the ship was 
bare of sails and we were in position to control 
the tiller we passed two days and a night, with 
only a few crackers for food, and almost exhausted 
from the strain. 

“Night was approaching, and with not a star in 
sight, and in no condition to take any reckonings, 
we made up our minds that we must somehow fight 
our way through one more night before giving 


JOHN’S WONDERFUL STORY 181 


up. The mainmast was a wreck; the shrouds on 
the port side having been tom from the gunwale 
the second day of the storm, and the entire deck 
was one mass of debris and wreckage. 

‘Tt was a dangerous thing to move along from 
one part of the deck to the other, as this loose 
accumulation of material, at each successive lurch, 
would be tossed first one way and then the other. 
This was one thing that kept the villains at bay, 
but it prevented us as well as themselves from 
getting any food. 

^Tn desperation I took my revolver, and, at the 
risk of my life, at every step, forced my way to 
the pantry and found some food. Before I reached 
the bridge the roar of the breakers fell upon me, 
but the darkness was now too intense to enable 
me to see anything, and I knew that our next great 
catastrophe would be the rocks. 

never reached the bridge again, for the ves- 
sel struck, and with a terrific grating sound it 
moved toward land, and then a giant hand seemed 
to lift it upwardly, and I kne^ no more. When 
I awoke, which must have been along noon of 
the following day, I saw one of the sailors dead, 
not fifty feet away, and the master of the ship 
was close beside me, with an indescribable mass 
of wreckage all about. 

‘‘When I had recovered sufficiently to judge of 
my surrounding, I went over to the master and to 
the sailor, and saw that their pockets had been 
rifled, and I instinctively put my hand to my 
pockets, to find that everything, my watch, this 


182 


THE TKIBESMEN 


match box, which was a present from my wife, my 
knife and everything in my pockets were gone. 

‘‘From this I knew that snch of my companions 
as had been saved had gone off, without making 
any attempt to ascertain whether I was alive or 
not, and had taken my things besides. 

“I had my clothing, which was still wet, but I 
was glad to be alive. That seems singular, doesn’t 
it, when I had thrown myself time and again 
right into the jaws of death! I saw a barren 
shore, but found plenty to eat as I advanced into 
the interior. I went to the south and southeast 
for the first day, and soon saw the first signs of 
human habitations. 

“Then I came across a tribe of savages who 
were sacrificing some human victims. It dawned 
on me that it might have been some of my com- 
panions, and a spirit of revenge possessed me. 
But I had no weapons, but relying on my experi- 
ence in eluding savages, I crawled up to the vil- 
lage, during the height of the orgy, and slew one 
of the warriors, and took his weapons, as well as 
his headdress. 

“But I was discovered and brought the entire 
tribe down on me. I avoided them, doubled on 
my tracks, and ran into another branch of what 
proved to be the same tribe, as the headdress 
plainly showed me. I again avoided capture, and 
in going through the hills discovered a cave, in 
which I took refuge. 

“To my surprise the cave was tenanted by a 
certain class of savages, and I had reason to be- 
lieve that it was the abode of the medicine men 


JOHN^S WONDEEFUL STOEY 183 


of the tribe, or the Hoodoos, because the warriors 
avoided it as they would a pestilence. I found 
some wonderful things in that cave, in which I 
secluded myself as best I could to avoid detection 
from those within. 

^‘But I needed food, and one night stole out, 
only to learn that they had known of my entrance 
into the cave, and was driven back again, and 
making my way into the interior, how far I do 
not know, lay down exhausted, and, on awaken- 
ing, not knowing which way to go, heard the voices 
of the savages, and in going in the opposite direc- 
tion was surprised to see a streak of light ahead. 

“Approaching near the entrance, waiting there 
for hours, and not seeing or hearing them, cau- 
tiously crept out, and found that the sun had 
risen several hours before, but that the opening 
was to the western side of the hill and I had en- 
tered it on the eastern side.” 

“Won^t you tell us, John, how you knew it was 
to the west, and that it was morning!” The boys 
looked at George a little queerly, and so did the 
Professor, and he quickly divined the reason, and 
continued: “Pardon me, Mr. Varney, but we have 
been in habit of calling you John so long that I 
forgot myself.” 

“You have been calling me John! How did you 
find out my name!” 

“We simply took that as the most convenient 
name; but please go on and forgive me for in- 
terrupting.” 

“No apology is necessary. I hope you will know 
me as John only. But you asked me a question. 


184 


THE TRIBESMEN 


I examined the moss, which in the southern hemi- 
sphere grows more abundantly on the south side 
of the tree ; just as in the north it grows only on 
the north side. As to the sun, if it had been after- 
noon it would have been to the west of the hill and 
not to east of it. 

^‘Having emerged from the cave in the vicinity 
of the last village another flight was necessary, 
and I turned to the south, reaching a large stream 
in my wanderings, and, in order to avoid capture, 
swam it in the night. I still had the bows and a 
dozen arrows, together with a crude hatchet, which 
was taken from the warrior. 

^‘The flight was continued to the south, and thus 
I lived from day to day for over three months, 
occasionally seeing the various tribes. Then for 
a period of two months more I was hunted over 
the entire southern portion pf the island, and 
finally driven into the mountain. Between six and 
seven months after the shipwreck, in a moment of 
carelessness, I was taken by a tribe in the south, 
and held in confinement for over a month, when I 
was to be offered up as a sacrifice. 

‘‘On the day appointed there was a terrible up- 
roar in camp, and I could see that a neighboring 
tribe had attacked, and escaped, only to be cap- 
tured by the successful invaders. This was the 
tribe that Osaga, here, was a member of. Again 
escaping I secured one of their spears and a bow 
with some arrows, and fought my first captors 
with such determination that Osaga’s people be- 
came my friends and I was given limited liberty, 
and began to learn the language. 


JOHN’S AVONDEEFUL STOEY 185 


‘‘Before long the two most powerful tribes 
united and attacked ns, and defeated Osaga’s peo- 
ple, and I escaped to the mountains. This was 
fully eleven or twelve months after being cast 
ashore, and on the last day they were in sight I 
can remember going down a steep precipice. The 
only recollection of my former self came day be- 
fore yesterday when I awoke from a refreshing 
sleep.” 


CHAPTEE XV 

CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 

John was visibly exhausted from the effort he 
had made, and soon passed off into a quiet sleep. 
During the evening the Professor suggested that 
they might retire to the shoj), so that he would 
not be disturbed, but John insisted that it was so 
good to hear their voices again, and would like to 
have them all present. 

Harry and George kept them interested a great 
portion of the time with stories of their adven- 
tures. They told about the bear fight for the pos- 
session of the honey ; the shooting of the wild ani- 
mals in South Forest, the making of the flag, the 
capture of the yaks, the flagpole incident, the fight 
between the bulls, and the amusing affair connected 
with the removal of the yaks to their new home. 

This latter occurrence is what amused John the 
most, and suggested that probably if they had 
adopted some of the hitches which sailors used 
the yaks could have been controlled more easily. 
This interested George. 

“Won’t you please tell us something about the 
hitches and knots which the sailors make?” 

“They have a great many forms, each designed 
for some particular purpose, and if you get a 
rope I will try and give you some of the principal 
ones. Get a piece long enough so that the knots 
and hitches can be kept for future reference.” 

186 


CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 187 

He then proceeded to make the knots, and con- 
tinued: '‘The seven knots (Figs. 16 to 22, inclu- 
sive) are made at the ends of the rope, as you will 
notice, and are the forms used to attach the rope 
to an object. In the next three forms two ropes 



Carrick iend. 


are attached to each other, and are usually called 
'bends’ (Figs. 23, 24, 25). 

"Then, in addition to that, the sailor has several 
ways of attaching the rope by a hitch around a 
standard, or other object. Look at these two 
forms (Figs. 26, 27). Look at the boat knot, where 


188 


THE TKIBESMEN 


the hitch is made in the rope itself ; and the sheet 
bend toggle, where the ends of two ropes are at- 
tached together to a standard or cleat. And now 
I am making what are called hitches, and the 
three forms (Figs. 28, 29, 30) are the best exam- 
ples.^^ 



A^/u>tr . ^7. anti 



Thus the conversation drifted from one subject 
to another, covering a variety of interesting top- 
ics. George reminded the Professor that he had 
not yet explained to them what the spectroscope 
was, and its uses. He laughingly responded : 

^‘That instrument is one of the most wonderful 
in all the ranges of human discoveries. By its 
means the elements of substances are determined, 
and the composition of the heavenly bodies are as- 
certained.” 



CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 189 


^Tn what way is it doneV^ 

“Simply by using light as the agency.” 

“Is it like a telescope?” 

“No; entirely different. It depends wholly on 
one thing, and that is the breaking up or dividing 
the light that comes from an object. Let me make 
this a little plainer. If a ray of sunlight is al- 
lowed to pass through an orifice into a darkened 


l7tcU^ o-> 
Blue, ^ 

frvee.rtf - 

yellou ^^ 

Oitzng e^ 






ZIM color s 


room, and in the transit through the opening it 
goes through a prism, or three-sided piece of glass, 
the light produced on the opposite wall will show 
the seven colors of which sunlight is composed. 
The drawing (Fig. 31) shows how this is arranged. 
Now iron shows these colors differently arranged, 
aluminum in another way, and so on with all dif- 
ferent substances, and the light projected from 
each is called its spectrum, its particular analy- 
sis.” 

John’s recital during the day had produced a 


190 


THE TRIBESMEN 


powerful impression on all, as well it might. It 
shows what wonderful trials men can endure. 
Ralph and Tom were frequently affected by it, 
and at times could not prevent tears from com- 
ing. They recalled their .own sufferings. 

The Professor thanked John that evening for 
his story, and said: ^‘We must not tax the pa- 
tient with any more talk to-night. We have 
learned a lesson of perseverance and trials. The 
history of man is always profitable, and we are 
thankful for the news it gives us of the people here 
but you must be patient and wait a more oppor- 
tune time to hear our story, and then we can ad- 
vise with each other as to our future course.” 

The boys were early in conference with each 
other after they left John, because there were some 
interesting things to them in John’s story, which 
needed clearing up. 

^‘Did you hear what he said about that cave?” 
was Ralph’s first question. 

^Wes; and I think I know where that cave is?” 
answered Harry. 

‘‘Where?” asked Tom and George in a breath. 

“Right at the camp where we found you.” 

“Oh, you mean that cave we found at the hill- 
side after we started for the river?” 

“Don’t you recall that John took me around to 
the mouth of the cave, and when we said that we 
might use that to hide in, he shook his head, and 
moved away?” 

“I thought the Professor acted queerly about it, 
too, because he urged us away from the place.” 

All remembered the circumstance, and they also 


CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 191 


recalled that the Professor gave a vague reply 
when they asked him the reason why. 

George cast a scrutinizing glance at Harry, who 
waited for him to speak. “Harry, do you think 
he found any treasure in that cave?” 

Ealph and Tom now opened their eyes in won- 
der. Was that what he meant when he said there 
was something wonderful there? Harry looked at 
the boys for a moment, in the intensity of the 
situation, and said: “And we have also found a 
cave.” But the eyes of George caught Harry, 
who suddenly stopped, because he recalled their 
agreement not to divulge it to the boys until the 
matter was mentioned to him. 

“Where is it?” exclaimed Tom, eagerly, 

“Not far from here.” 

“Will it be much trouble to visit it?” 

“No ; and we shall probably do so some day.” 

An island full of bitter and vindictive savages, 
and a handful of men to meet them. It looked, 
indeed, like a hopeless task. John’s story left many 
things unsaid; many things that they longed to 
know. Who were Wright and Walters, whose 
names were in the note found in Investigator's 
lifeboat, and who was Will, the writer of the 
note? 

The Professor was just as anxious as the boys 
to have those matters cleared up, but he knew it 
would be unwise to tax his strength with a fur- 
ther recital, and the inevitable questions which 
would be propounded, and it was well that his in- 
junctions were followed, because he was not yet 


192 


THE TKIBESMEN 


well by any means, and the further news which 
they awaited was postponed. 

In the evening Ralph had the flute, but the bass 
viol Avas not yet ready, so that the two instru- 
ments gave a little diversion to tlje day of excite- 
ment and wonder. 

John’s illness did not now interfere with the 
work on the house. It was pushed forward Avith 
the greatest energy, the roof and sides enclosed, 
and they were now nearly ready for occupying it, 
by the time John was again able to be about. 

Shortly after they had made the first samples 
of glass,, some months before, the trip to the west 
had postponed the work in that direction, and the 
Professor, with the aid of George, turned out the 
first samples of glass, which they intended to use 
in the new building. 

“Why can’t we have a looking-glass'? It would 
be such fun to set up seA^eral of them.” 

“I think we have sufficient mercury for the pur- 
pose,” ansAvered the Professor ; so calling in Ralph 
they set to work, under the Professor’s direction, 
to make some mirrors. 

“The principal thing in mirrors is to get a white 
reflecting surface. Silver and mercury are metals 
Avhich lend themselves to that use. If you polish 
anything bright enough it will serve as a mirror, 
but the whiter the surface is the better.” 

“Then why wouldn’t Avhite paper be the best ?” 

“It would if you could get a fine polish on its 
surface, but the finest surface on the densest paper 
is not as smooth as the polished surface of the met- 
als.” 


CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 193 


“What is the best way to make the mirror!” 

“The most available plan for ns to follow is to 
make an amalgam of tin and mercury.” 

“But what do you mean by an amalgam!” 

“It means the combination of mercury, or quick- 
silver, with any other metal.” 

“Will it be difficult to combine tin and mercury, 
so as to make an amalgam !” 

“That is one of the simplest things in the arts. 
Tin and mercury unite by merely rubbing them 
together ; see how easily they combine to form just 
such a surface as you want.” 

“Isn’t that fine! But as that shines so nicely, 
what is the need of putting a glass over it!” 

“Simply to protect the amalgamated surface.” 

The largest piece of glass thus far made was 
sixteen by twenty-four inches, and the boys selected 
the most perfect pane, and in a short time a very 
good mirror had been turned out. 

“It has occurred to me that it would be good pol- 
icy to make a number of small mirrors, say six 
inches square. They would be a valuable asset to 
us in our next expedition.” 

This opened the eyes of the boys to the commer- 
cial utility of the work they were engaged in for 
the first time. George rushed over and brought 
Tom and Harry to the laboratory, and exhibited 
the mirrors, and explained that they intended to 
make a number of small ones to take with them. 

“That is a capital idea. Won’t the natives go 
wild over them!” 

They were at work at once, first cutting up some 
of the glass the requisite size, and before the after 


194 


THE TEIBESMEN 


noon closed they had several small ones in addi- 
tion to the large one. 

The large one was carried over to the living 
room, and when it was brought in and hung against 
the wall John’s face lighted up, when they told him 
of the work required to turn out the glass, and to 
make the amalgam. 

^^What a glorious opportunity you boys are hav- 
ing. How anxious I am to get up and help you. 
What a splendid mirror that is. You surprise 
me with the character of your work.” 

“We are going to have real windows in the new 
house.” 

At this instant Chief appeared at the door, and 
as he moved forward in front of the glass he 
started back in fright as his own image appeared 
to him. All of them laughed, and as he was now 
at one side of the mirror he could not see himself. 
But Harry mischievously turned it, and then it 
dawned on the Chief that it was simply a perfect 
representation of himself. 

All savages know of the glistening qualities of 
surfaces, but few of them, as was the case with 
Chief, had ever seen any made with the white 
amalgam, which, of course, made a perfect coun- 
terfeit resemblance. 

But Harry delighted him beyond measure when 
he presented one of the small mirrors, and George 
took a piece of the ramie cloth and folded it around 
the mirror, a proceeding Chief could not under- 
stand until John showed him it was for the pur- 
pose of preserving it. 

He kept it in the cover religiously from that day 


CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 195 

forward, except at such times as he was employed 
in examining it. 

When Chief appeared it was not noticed that he 
carried a curious looking bulb, and when he sat 
down to experiment with the mirror several of 



32, e/hnuTyllc, Chiefs Poi6o?t 


them fell from the pouch or pocket which was put 
in the garment which had been provided for him. 

The Professor saw the bulbs and picked up one 
of them and glanced about the room, and then 
looked at John in a questioning way. The boys 
noted this. Nothing was said at the time, but as 
the Professor passed out George followed him. 


196 


THE TEIBESMEN 


^^What 'was that bulb you picked up?” 

^Tt is the root of the plant called Amarylla, 
and it is in the juice of this plant that certain 
savages dip their arrow-heads for poisoning 
them.” 

This information was not a little startling and 
disquieting to George, who rushed back and quiet- 
ly called out the boys. “Do you know what Chief 
has been doing? Did you see the peculiar bulbs 
he had? The Professor picked up one of them, 
and what do you suppose it is ? It is the root from 
which they make the poisons for arrow-heads.” 

Harry could not believe that the savage had any 
designs on them. “I suppose he will bear watch- 
ing, so let us see what he intends to do with 
them !” 

When Chief had admired himself sufficiently he 
took the bulbs to the kitchen and placed them in 
the oven, as the boys called it, and when George 
came in he was smiling, as he thought, in a very 
peculiar way. George did not disturb the bulbs, 
and when the meal was brought in Chief was on 
hand and went to the kitchen. He soon returned 
with the roasted bulbs and deposited them at the 
table. 

The boys looked at the Professor, and he and 
John exchanged smiling glances, and both of them 
took the bulbs and began the meal with them in 
the most nonchalant manner. The boys could not 
understand the ProfessoPs defiant manner in eat- 
ing a poisonous bulb, and George cried out : “Didn^t 
you say that the bulb was poisonous?” 

“Yes, it is, for some things.” 


CHIEF AND THE POISON PLANT 197 

‘‘Well, how can it be poisonous for some things 
and not for others. Don’t the savages use the 
poisons of the arrows to kill people with!” 

“Certainly ; but it is used in that case as a blood 
poison. A blood poison is not necessarily a stom- 
ach poison. In truth, there are few poisons that 
are fatal to both the blood and stomach.” 

Chief had been slyly preparing this treat for 
them, as savages like the root, and all regarded it 
a welcome change, and it was that peculiar look 
which George wrongly interpreted. How often the 
motives of people are misjudged in the same man- 
ner, and without a more pronounced reason than 
Chief had! 

When the meal was announced Angel, as usual, 
was the hrst to appear, and when he caught sight 
of his reflection in the mirror he thought one of 
his friends had come to visit him. It did not seem 
to startle him in the least, but like all children 
tried to look behind it. 

The wall prevented that, so when George handed 
him one of the small ones, and he put his hand 
behind the mirror, the vacancy there is what 
alarmed him. When he did finally comprehend 
what it was, it so attracted him that he could not 
partake of the meal, but sat entranced before it. 

After the meal he took the mirror to the raft 
ers, and found a hiding place for it, and they 
would often notice him with it, but from that time 
forward he never brought it down into the room. 


CHAPTER XVI 


A SUKPEISING TRIP TO THE CAVE 

The house was completed and partly furnished. 
New bedding was prepared for the bedrooms, the 
Chief installed in one, and the other two reserved 
for John and the Professor. The new living room, 
which was commodious, served as a dining room, 
and a door was cut through from the old kitchen 
to the new dining parlor. 

The other rooms in the original building were 
reserved for the boys. John was now fully re- 
covered, and felt like beginning his task anew, al- 
though he did not recall any of the previous work 
w-hich he was engaged in. Chief was progressing 
well in his education, and the constant source of 
wonder to all was that he did not take the advan- 
tage his liberty gave him to leave them. 

One day John had a long conversation with him 
on the subject, and afterwards the boys were curi- 
ous to know the result of the interview; but the 
result of the talk was not, apparently, satisfactory 
to John, and the subject was not pressed. He was 
entirely well, and took a keen interest in every- 
thing around him, and participated in the work. 
Each new phase had some special attraction, and 
as the days passed less anxiety was felt on this 
score. 

In one of the evening conferences it was jSnally 
decided to make the preparations for a trip to the 
198 


SUEPEISING TEIP TO CAVE 199 


portion of the island where the savages had their 
homes. This meant a good supply of weapons and 
ammunition. 

The following circumstances determined them on 
this course: 

The Professor, addressing John, on this occa- 
sion, said: “We were intensely interested in the 
review of your experiences on the island ; but there 
are several things which we are anxious to know 
about, and in some particulars you may be able to 
supply the missing links. We have not yet shown 
you the message which we found in the Investiga- 
tor's lifeboat, so that if you will get it, Harry ^ 
you may be able to tell us something about it.’^ 

This was the little slip of paper which had on 
it the following inscription: “We cannot hold out 
much longer. Wright and Walters were captured 
yesterday. Will.” 

Harry handed it to him, and he looked at it for 
some time. “I do not kuow who Wright and Will 
are, but Walters was one of the crew of the sailing 
vessel that we took from San Francisco.” 

“Had you any knowledge of any of the boats of 
the Investigator being on the west side of the 
mountains during the time you were in that neigh- 
borhood?” 

“No; during my stay with the tribe to which 
Chief belonged I tried in every way to ascertain 
something about the fate of my companions. Only 
once during that time did I get any sort of knowl- 
edge on that point. When I tried to describe the 
men, all denied any knowledge of them ; but point- 
ed to the youths of the village, and I could not 


200 


THE TEIBESMEN 


understand what they meant. That is now made 
plain to me, as, undoubtedly, they meant the ones 
referred to were bo^^s.’’ 

“And, now, there is another thing I want to 
know from Ealph and Tom. Did either of you 
have a photograph of some of the boys on the 
ship 

George found the pnotograph which they had 
taken from one of the warriors in the second day’s 
fight. 

Ealph and Tom both declared that it was the first 
time they had ever seen the photograph, and on 
closer examination it was seen that while Harry 
and George were shown on the picture, neither of 
the other boys’ features were there. 

“Did either of you boys know of any of those 
mentioned in the message?” 

“I knew a Will, but I do not remember his last 
name. I do not think Wright was the name of 
anyone on shipboard. I am sure he was not one 
of the boys,” was Ealph’s answer. 

This information pointed to two things clearly : 
That there were other boys, belonging to their 
ship, castaway on the island, and that at least 
one of the crew of John’s vessel might be found. 
It also assured them of the certain knowledge 
that there were others, either wandering about, or 
sharing the captivity mentioned in the message. 

“I should state here,” continued John, “I was 
informed by one of the chiefs that their disposi- 
tion to the shipwrecked mariners had been, in the 
past, a friendly one, but that some time previ- 
ously, how far back I do not know, a crew had 


SUEPRISING TRIP TO CAVE 201 


been saved, and instead of rewarding them for the 
service, had murdered one of the chiefs and com- 
mitted such excesses, that in self -protection they 
slaughtered them, and, thereafter, took prison- 
ers only in order to nse them for their sacrifices.” 

The plans for the forthcoming expedition were 
now fnlly discussed in every detail. The first 
proposal was to build a vessel of sufficient size 
to accommodate the party, but to this John offered 
the same objection which they had theretofore 
found so potent when the last trip was under- 
taken. It would take too long, and when they 
reached the savages it would be necessary to make 
a trip or trips inland. 

The situation now was entirely different. There 
was no longer a question in their minds as to the 
existence of savages, and, furthermore, they knew 
the location, and the knowledge of John was posi- 
tive on another point: They were not located 
near the sea, and the most powerful tribes were 
far inland. 

All these facts compelled them to undertake the 
journey overland. The wagon was the only means 
to transport their supplies, and as all except the 
Professor, were vigorous, they would be far bet- 
ter able to cope with the savages in that way 
than by the sea route. 

Now let us see what was necessary for the 
purposes of defense. They had a force of six 
men, as Chief was not considered one of the 
force, notwithstanding his friendly attitude. They 
had ten guns, and Ralph and Tom had been 
engaged for weeks in turning out additional gun 


202 THE TKIBESMEN 

barrels, for which the stocks had not yet been 
prepared. 

John suggested that twenty-five of the guns 
would be ample for almost any force that might be 
brought against them, and that provision should 
be made so that while in defense, each could carry 
two guns, by having one of them strapped on the 
back. 

Ammunition was of more importance, really, 
than guns. They had learned this at the last en- 
counter, and it was lack of this that eventually 
forced them to retreat. 

On that basis, namely, of twenty-five guns, ten 
rounds would mean two hundred and fifty shells, 
and it was then considered that the most impor- 
tant thing would be to utilize the time of two for 
the purpose of making the shells. This was the 
most laborious process, as every step had to be 
done by hand, the dies iDeing in the form of sepa- 
rate punches, held and driven by hand, as they had 
no such thing as a press for manipulating the 
dies. 

One morning Harry said : ‘T know it isn’t the 
proper thing to suggest it while we are all so 
busy making the preparations for the expedition, 
but I think we ought to make , a trip to the cave 
before we start.” 

Neither of them objected to the proposal, and 
George went to the Professor, and told him that 
he and Harry had conferred on the subject of 
the cave, and with his permission they would take 
the boys there. 

The Professor’s assent was given with a smile 


SUEPEISING TEIP TO CAVE 203 


of pleasure, and several lamps were put into con- 
dition for the event. All was excitement now with 
the young spirits, and the Professor assisted them 
in the preparations. 

It did not take long to reach the mouth of the 
cavern, and lighting the lamps, descended slowly. 
Neither George nor Harry had informed the boys 
of the treasure within the cave, nor of the skele- 
tons which were discovered, although, when the 
boys had asked the source of the skeletons in 
the laboratory enough of an evasive answer was 
given to make them suspect the source, and this 
was confirmed when Harry told them, days be- 
fore, that they had also discovered a cave. 

They descended the steps, and made their way 
along the passage leading to the first recess. As 
the chamber came into view the boys were en- 
tranced at the sight. It was a novelty to them. 
It was the first time they had ever witnessed 
such a thing. 

To Harry and George it was no longer a thing 
to marvel at. They were veterans in the explor- 
ing field. 

^^This makes a fellow feel queer in here,” ex- 
claimed Tom, as he glanced around at the mag- 
nificent stalactites. 

^^Did we tell you,” replied George, “about the 
mysterious thing that happened to us the second 
time we came in?” 

“No; what was it?” 

“We entered from the other opening by the 
sea.” 

“Another opening? Do you mean that this cave 


204 THE TRIBESMEN 

has two openings jnst like the one John spoke 
about!’’ 

‘‘Yes ; but this is a mighty long one, and it had 
a lot of water in it twice when we visited it, but I 
don’t think we shall find any here now.” 

“Why not !” 

“Because we have not had much rain for the 
past month.” 

“But you forgot about the mystery.” 

“That’s so ; we went in from the other end and 
had gone up nearly to where the water began, 
when we put one of the lights on a ledge, and went 
forward with the other, and when we had gone 
about a hundred feet, it disappeared, and we have 
never found it to this day.” 

“That does seem odd. Do you think it was 
taken by some one!” 

“Well, we could not possibly account for it in 
any other way but that it fell off the ledge by some 
accident. How that could be possible I don’t 
know, as George declared he had placed it in a 
secure position.” 

By this time they had reached the recess, and 
George suggested that the entire cave should be 
examined, and Ralph was somewhat in the lead. 
Everywhere was the universal whiteness of the 
calcareous deposit. As they reached the vicinity 
of the chests, where the copper vessels were, they 
formed a striking contrast to the whiteness all 
around. 

“What are those things there!” asked Tom, 
stepping back in surprise, pointing to the vessels. 


SUEPEISING TEIP TO CAVE 205 


Ealph peered forward, to get a better view. ^Tt 
looks like kettles of some kind.” 

Harry passed the boys and walking np to one 
of the kettles, overturned it, and as a shower of 
the coins slid out, and rolled about, they were 
amazed beyond all description. 

Ealph was the first to recover, and he picked 
up some of the coins: ^‘Didn’t you know about 
these 1 I believe tliey are gold ; look, Tom. Did 
you ever see anything like this!” 

Tom was stupefied. ‘T don’t wonder that men 
will risk their lives to get treasure like this. Here 
we didn’t hunt for it and we found it.” 

‘‘Yes, but Harry and George knew all about it; 
didn’t you?” 

And the boys laughed an assent. 

“Why don’t you take it out of here?” 

“Well, it seems to be pretty safe in this place; 
and if we should have been attacked by the 
natives, we should have a place of retreat and have 
our treasure with us.” 

After putting the coins carefully back, Harry 
said: “Probably we may be able to discover 
something else.” And he moved forwardly to the 
right, with Tom following close, and the boys 
pressing up to see what else might be found. 
There, at the place where the Professor had de- 
posited them in a row were the five skeletons, 
and they presented such a ghastly sight that they 
shrank back in horror. 

“We found these in a little different position 
when we first arrived.” 

“In what way?” 


203 


THE TEIBESMEN 


‘‘They were in all sorts of positions in front of 
the recess, and some of them had the knives still 
sticking in their ribs, and one or two, one of 
which the Professor has, had a big bullet in the 
skull, which we took out and can show you/’ 

“T^ere did you find these?” 

“Eight in front of the place where the treasure 
was found.” 

“Well, did they have a fight, do you think, for 
the possession of the treasure?” 

“Undoubtedly.” 

“Now, let us go around to the other side of the 
cave.” 

It will be remembered that in the other portion 
of the cave the skeletons and the treasure, as well 
as the weapons, were left just as they were found 
by the boys, because they had never informed the . 
Professor of their secret visit to the cave, when 
they discovered the chained captives and the 
skeletons about them. 

The party passed around the first projecting 
wall which separated the two large chambers, and 
as they were moving along something sounded in 
the second chamber ahead. The boys stopped 
suddenly. In a moment more the same peculiar 
dull and ominous sound was continued, and it 
seemed to be very near. 

The boys looked at each other in amazement. 
During all of the previous visits there had never 
been the slightest sound within the cavern. 

“Possibly,” said Harry, “it may be running 
water.” 

“It doesn’t sound like water to me. I will — ” 


SUEPRISING TRIP TO CAVE 207 


but Harry did not bave an opportunity to say 
anything more, as a terrific roar, like a cannon 
shot, rang out, and the boys were simply petrified. 

‘^What do you think that was whispered 
George. They drew close together, and spoke in 
whispers. 

^‘This will never do,” declared Harry. ‘Tf 
there is anything in this place we might as well 
know it now as later. Will you join me in the 
hunt 

And the boys responded with one assent. “Let 
us go to the second chamber. Come on, boys.” 
And they bravely stalked down the corridor. 

When the chamber was reached a hollow laugh 
greeted them, followed by two hearty laughs. 
The Professor and John had entered the opening 
at the sea end, and hurriedly made their way to 
the second chamber, where they awaited the com- 
ing of the boys. 

The boys were intensely relieved, and the Pro- 
fessor was so happy to see the determined and 
resolute spirit they manifested, that he compli- 
mented them highly. 

John was no less profuse in his commendations. 
“I want to say, that men can be brave when they 
know what they have to fight, and who their ene- 
mies are; but it takes the stoutest heart to go 
forth and defend yourself, or assume the offensive 
against an unseen and an unknown enemy.” 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE WONDEKFUL POETABLE POET 

On the return of the party to their home that 
evening the events of the day were discussed to 
the exclusion of everything else, and now was 
the opportunity for the boys to learn something 
about the other cave, of which John had given 
a meager account. 

Would you object to telling us what the won- 
derful things were which you saw in the cave at 
the western part of the island V’ was Tom’s inquiry. 

^^Not in the least. The ship on which we sailed 
from San Francisco contained the charts of sev- 
eral caves, one of which was that of the cave I 
referred to. I saw the treasure there with my 
own eyes, and I can direct you to it, because, not- 
withstanding the stress of my surroundings, I 
took the bearings, on the following day, and it 
will not be difficult to locate it.” 

^‘Did you remember the circumstances of the 
visit to the place where we were being pursued by 
the savages?” 

John looked at the Professor, and then at the 
boys. ‘T do not remember such an occurrence,” 
he answered. 

^^But I would like to ask the Professor a ques- 
tion,” exclaimed George. “What was it that made 
you give us that quick advice to leave the mouth 
of the cave when we wanted it as a hiding place ?” 

208 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 209 


saw from the carefully hidden, but trodden, 
path, that some one must have used it as a place 
of refuge, and concluded that as it was so near 
the village it might have been some of the clans 
of the tribe, either as a place of concealment from 
their enemies, in case of attack, or by some of the 
so-called religious communities which many of the 
tribes have.” 

^Bn what way did you discover that this cave 
had been charted?” 

‘‘First by the peculiarity, that it had two en- 
trances, on opposite sides of a hill, and secondly, 
by the singular internal arrangement, which stated 
that within the corridors and the chambers consti- 
tuted a cross, and the treasures were to be found 
at the extremities of the cross limbs, within the 
two large chambers.” 

“Then you knew of the existence of this island, 
before you sailed!” 

“No ; the chart merely described the character- 
istics of the caverns, but stated they were located 
on islands in the South Seas.” 

“Do you think our cave here is one of 
them ?” 

“I do not think so, as I do not recall any descrip- 
tion which would ht this cave, except the two en- 
trances, and that is not uncommon.” 

“The chart stated that there was another cave 
fifteen leagues to the southeast of that cave, which 
also contained treasure, and that was the princi- 
pal reason why I traveled in that direction, and 
thus found myself in the savage-inhabited part of 
the island.” 


210 


THE TEIBESMEN 


^^Fifteen leagues! How far would tliat be!’’ 

‘‘Forty-five miles.” 

Nothing more was needed as a stimulus for the 
boys. They had truly been thrown on an island 
of wonder. 

“Why is it,” asked Ealph, “that so much of the 
treasure of the world was hidden in these out-of- 
the-way places by the pirates!” 

“I imagine,” replied John, “that they didn’t have 
much confidence in the rest of the world. The 
manner in which they got most of the money was 
by acts of piracy on the high seas, and it was 
necessary to hide the proceeds of the robberies 
as fast as acquired, because if they should be 
captured, its possession would at once seal their 
doom. These hidden treasures are distributed 
over every part of the world. As to the other 
part of your question, the vast hoards of gold 
and silver so distributed, formed a very small 
part of the wealth of the old world. It is not 
known how vast a sum Pizarro took from the Inca 
in Peru, but it is estimated variously at from 
twelve to twenty tons.” 

The boys opened their eyes in astonishment. 

“How much would that be worth in money!” 

“Counting it at the present value of gold, every 
pennyweight would be worth a dollar.” 

“Let me see ; twenty pennyweights in an ounce, 
and twelve ounces- in a pound ; that would be two 
hundred and forty dollars in a pound.” 

“That is right.” 

“And then twenty tons would be 40,000 pounds. 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 211 


And multiplying tliat by 240 would make $9,600,- 
000. My, w"bat a lot of money!’’ 

‘^Cortez, at about the same time, conquered 
Mexico, and secured a much greater amount. All 
over the western liemispbere, from northern Mex- 
ico down to Peru, untold millions of gold and 
silver were looted by the Spanish and Portuguese 
navigators, and taken to Europe, and it is esti- 
mated that as much more was disposed of in these 
hidden recesses, and those who deposited them 
were swept otf the seas, and all knowledge of the 
caches were lost.” 

“During what times was most of this money 
deposited?” 

“The pirates which infested the coasts of Span- 
ish America and the West Indies, flourished in the 
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Originally 
the French and English during the wars against 
Spain used the expedition against her ships, as 
acts of war, but later on, after peace was estab- 
lished in Europe, the buccaneers continued in 
their depredations, and it was made unlawful by 
all the great nations.” 

From that day there was no cessation on the 
part of the entire working force to prepare the 
necessary ammunition required for a campaign 
against the savages. It should be stated that 
by this time Chief had learned mdny things, and 
John took particular pains to teach him daily, 
until he could pronounce many words very dis- 
tinctly, and understood the meaning of them. 

It was surprising to see how quickly his mind 
grasped the association of a verb with some name. 


212 THE TRIBESMEN 

and the simplest and most common verbs of action 
were tanght. In this way it became apparent 
that all should be cautious about talking of the 
proposed expedition in his presence. Nevertheless 
all were anxious to enlist him in the enterprise. 

He never inquired about the gun barrels, and 
curiously enough seemed to take no interest in 
any of the weapons but the spears and arrows. 
He was a fine archer. This was demonstrated on 
several occasions, the only difficulty being that 
the bows which the boys had were too small. 

Chief selected his own branches, for the bows, 
and showed the boys how to hold the arrows, 
and the distance he could propel them was mar- 
velous. They were not by any manner of means 
a match, by comparison, with the guns, but they 
would be dangerous missiles if attacked in the 
open, and of this fact the boys had learned several 
lessons. 

The wagon, which was constructed before the 
first trip across the island, had been through some 
tough places, and the wheels and axles were in 
bad condition. These needed replacing, and that 
was a task which would occupy some time. 

One day, at the evening meal, the boys asked 
about Chief. He had not been noticed by anyone 
since noon. 

He was usually at work with Harry, who was 
asked concerning him. 

‘‘The last I saw of him was right after lunch, 
and he was going in the direction of the clay 
bank. As he was in the habit of going there 
quite frequently I paid no attention to him.” 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 213 


^^Did lie have anything with him, that yon 
noticed?’^ 

“Nothing hut the bolo and the bow and arrows 
that he always took.” 

“Possibly he is on some mission,” replied the 
Professor. “It does not seem likely that he has 
determined to desert us; but it may be he has 
grown tired of this existence. It is a curious phase 
of these matters, however, which, I believe, will 
apply in his case, that when he goes back he will 
find his old life a very disquieting one to him, and 
I predict he will be here again within a month.” 

“By that time we will be on our way toward 
his section, and I hope we shall have the oppor- 
tunity of meeting him,” responded John. 

What required more attention than any part 
of the equipment, aside from the ammunition, was 
the structure of the wagon. This had to be a 
fort for them, and so arranged that it could be 
put up to meet an attack from any quarter. 

But this, unfortunately, left the yaks exposed to 
the assaults of the spears and arrows, and John 
suggested a novel addition to the wagon equip- 
ment. 

“My idea is this : As we are all pretty strong, 
excepting the Professor, to stand the march on 
foot, I would convert our wagon into a vehicle 
which would carry the fort with us, and this fort, 
whenever we camped, could be set up so that the 
yaks would be inside, and thus protected as well 
as ourselves. * 

“To effect this the more readily, my plan would 
be to make three sections of boards, in the form of 


214 


THE TRIBESMEN 


a fence, each section to be six feet high and ten 
feet long. These should he either folded together 
in the middle lengthwise, so they could be nested 
together and swung below the axles between the 
wheels, and set up to form a square at one side 
of the wagon. 

‘‘One side of the wagon body could be made to 
be let down, so as to form a protection below the 



' HI 

7 ^. < 55 . The. -PoTiahlpjrmt T 


body of the wagon. Within that enclosure the 
yaks could be stationed, if we should be attacked, 
and for the purpose of defense, four of us would 
be within the enclosure and two in the wagon to 
protect it from that side. 

“The sketch which I have made shows these 
features, in which you will see (Fig. 33), the side 
boards (A) hinged along the middle line, as at 
B. These would be held at the outer corners by 
posts C. In the sketch the side board of the 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 215 


wagon body has been let down, so access can be 
had to the wagon. 

The plan, so ingeniously contrived, pleased the 
fancy of the boys. 

imagine,” said Harry, ‘This will be the first 
time people ever carried their fort with them. 
It will be fun to meet the savages with that kind 
of an outfit.” 

“You must not think, however,” continued John, 
“that this is all we shall need. We must take in 
the wagon sufficient food for the yaks to with- 
stand a siege, so that with our own provisions, 
guns and ammunition, we shall have a pretty good 
load.” 

“How heavy will the three sections of fence 
weigh !” 

“I estimate that, as we shall want the boards 
made of good wood, the weight will be thirty 
pounds per cubic foot, and as all the boards will 
take fourteen cubic feet of lumber, the total 
weight, including the posts, can be brought within 
450 pounds, and I do not think our other material 
will weigh much over 500 more.” 

“That would not be a hard load,” observed the 
Professor, “as we have often hauled a ton, but it 
would be well to make a new set of wheels, and 
we can then take with us an extra wheel for the 
front and rear.” 

“I think we should take tools along also,” said 
Tom, “because we can always make our own re- 
pairs, in that event.” 

“I am glad you referred to that. It is cer- 
tainly a suggestion in the right direction. Are 


216 


THE TEIBESMEN 


there any more observations from any of the other 
army engineers?” 

‘T may be wrong,” answered Harry, ‘^bnt it 
seems to me that one of the folding fences should 
be put on each side of the wagon body, and the 
third under the wagon.” 

‘^What is your reason for that?” asked Tom. 

^^Because we may want to put up the fort in a 
big hurry some time, and by having them at the 
three places, and have it understood who are to 
take out each section, it would be the work of a 
few moments only to set it up, because each set 
of workers could handle his section without inter- 
ference from the others.” 

“That is really a stroke of genius. Certainly, 
that is the sensible way,” responded John. 

“It is simply another illustration,” added the 
Professor, “how men, looking at things from dif- 
ferent standpoints, will see the defects in each 
other’s work. That is the story of every great 
invention.” 

These conferences were of the greatest value to 
the boys. It pointed out how men, through force 
of circumstances, were compelled to devise things 
for their need. 

George had been an intent listener during these 
discussions. “It does seem that the old state- 
ment, ‘that necessity is the mother of invention,’ 
is true.” 

The Professor turned to him smilingly, as he 
replied: “That may be so in very many cases, 
it is true, but I imagine that in the vast majority 
of instances the necessity was in the mind of the 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 217 

inventor to get some money. The thought of that 
requirement was a more vivid thing to him than 
the real need of the article as an economic neces- 
sity.” 

^^Do you really think that is the case?” 

‘Tf my memory is not at fault, the people of 
England howled with derision when the first loco- 
motive was built; the men who put out the first 
sewing machine had their stores broken into and 
the machines smashed; and the telephone when 
first installed was considered simply as a play- 
thing and curiosity, and not as a useful improve- 
ment. It has been the history of every age and 
of most of the great inventions. After the inven- 
tions were completed, and their value shown, the 
merchant and the manufacturer created the de- 
mand, and then the articles became a necessity^ 
and not before. For this reason I think the prov- 
erb should be amended to say that The necessity 
of the inventor is the mother of invention.’ ” 

Before starting on the trip the matter of cloth- 
ing had to be attended to. A quantity of ramie 
had been cut, and put in water, for the purpose 
of rotting the woody fiber, and this was taken 
out of the water as fast as it was ready, and 
cleaned and combed, and at times worked up into 
threads, which were placed in the loom, and a 
coarse cloth thus woven. 

This was, necessarily, a slow process, and con- 
sumed considerable time. This, together with 
the making of the percussion caps, was the tedi- 
ous part of all the preparations. Every energy 
was put forth to get the different things required. 


218 


THE TRIBESMEN 


Harry and Tom had made np the fort, and John 
suggested the idea of having a drill exercise in 
setting it up, so that the work could be performed 
without interference. 

During the day, when the posts and the fasten- 
ings were all ready, the wagon was brought out 
and the yaks yoked up. The elements of the fort 
were attached to the wagon, in the manner that 
they were to be transported. As there were three 
sections of the fort, one on each side of the wagon 
body and one below the axles, it was provided 
that the six should form three divisions ; the Pro- 
fessor and Ralph, John and Tom, and Harry and 
George the couples for setting up the fort. 

As Harry and George were the most familiar 
with the animals, and knew better than the others 
how to handle them, it was made a part of their 
duty, when the signal was given, to unyoke and 
turn the yaks to the proper place at the side of 
the wagon: 

MHiile this was being done, the Professor and 
Ralph were to detach the section on the side of the 
wagon where the fort was to be set up, and carry 
it out at right angles and at the forward end of 
the wagon. At the same time John and Tom 
would take the section on the opposite side of the 
wagon and carry it around to form the end of the 
fort. 

This would then give Harry and George the 
opportunity to take the part below the wagon and 
erect it at the rear angle of the wagon, while 
Tom and Ralph were getting the posts for the 
outer ends of the fort. 


WONDEEFUL POETABLE FOET 219 


When all was ready, the signal was given, and 
the various divisions sprang to their allotted 
work. They marveled at the celerity with which 
the fort was put up. 

‘T see a serious defect in the arrangement at 
one point,” said Tom. 

^What is that?” was the question from all. 

^‘You see we have the fort ready, but it is adapted 
for one side of the wagon only. It may be most 
important to have it arranged so that either side 
of the wagon can be used for the fort.” 

fine suggestion,” answered John. “That 
change can be made by having both sides of the 
body so they can be let down.” 

George also had a good suggestion to make. 
“According to the calculations we have fourteen 
cubic feet of material, and it is light wood, at 
that. Why couldnT the fort be utilized as a 
raft, so as to save the cutting of green timber, 
which is so heavy?” 

“Well,” said the Professor, smiling, “we are 
developing this at an immense rate. The new 
idea is the starting point for an invention to so 
arrange the sections as to make them act as floats. 
Here is a great opportunity for the genius.” 

Tom and Harry conferred on this subject for 
some time, and after luncheon, announced the 
plan: “It is fortunate that the axles of our 
wheels project. It will be an easy matter to take 
the sections from the sides of the body and attach 
one edge of each section to the projecting ends 
of the axles, and then the two posts can be used 
as braces to run up from the outer edges on the 


220 


THE TEIBESMEN 


sections to the upper edges of the body. The 
third section can be left under the axles where it 
now is.” 

John was delighted at the simple solution of 
this problem. 

really believe,” said Tom, ^That we can ad- 
just the sections in that way while the wagon is 
moving, as it can be attached without any diffi- 
culty.” 

It is wonderful how one improvement marks 
the advance stride for the next. Invention is 
really nothing but a step by step movement; a 
little addition here, another accretion there, and 
so on, so that invention has been shown to be, 
not a matter of quantity, but of quality. The 
mere bending of a wire, if it produces a new and 
useful result, is just as much entitled to the dig- 
nity of an invention, as a room full of intricate 
mechanism.” 


CHAPTER XVIII 

TKAILING A WAKKING PARTY OF NATIVES 

‘Trofessor, wonT you tell us wliat the differ- 
ence is between weight and gravity? We have 
been discussing that matter this afternoon.’^ 

“Gravity is a force by virtue of which all bodies 
tend to approach each other constantly ; and weight 
is the measure of the effect of gravity acting upon 
a body. The two are often confounded.’^ 

“Now, the next thing we want to know is, does 
gravity act in all directions?” 

“Yes; and the attraction • of one body for an- 
other is in proportion to its mass — that is to say, 
if two bodies, one weighing one and the other two 
pounds, should be hung near each other, the heavy 
object would pull the lighter one twice the distance 
it would itself move.” 

“Do you mean to say that everything on earth 
attracts everything else? I thought it was only 
the earth that had the power to attract.” 

“The earth is no different from any other object 
in that particular, but on account of its immense 
size everything goes toward it and its motion 
toward the small object is not noticed.” 

“Is there any way that such a statement could 
be proved?” 

“I suggest one plan : select two walls, close to- 
gether, or two tall trees, and run a wire across, 
as I show in the sketch (Fig. 32). From that 
221 


222 


THE TRIBESMEN 


cross wire, A, suspend three objects by cords, B, 
C, D. The cord B is exactly midway between the 
two walls, and the other cords C, D, and so attached 
that the objects at their lower ends hang close to 
the walls. It will be found that the cords C, D are 
farther apart at their lower ends than at the upper i 
ends, and that the cord B is exactly plumb, as it 
is alffected equally by the attraction of the oppo- 
site walls.’^ 



The new raft attachment was completed, and 
Harry made the suggestion that it ought to be put 
to a practical test, and that a good place to do 
this would be below the cataract, where it was 
wide and deep enough to float. 

The drill was affected for attaching the sec- 
tions, as shown in the drawing (Fig. 35), in which 


TEAILING A WARRING PARTY 223 


A represents the section nnder the axles, and B, C 
the two side sections, attached at their inner edges 
to the ends of the axles, and with the posts D serv- 
ing as braces. 

The yaks seemed to know their business instinc- 
tively, and moved down into the water slowly, 
and the improvised raft not only prevented the 
body from sinking into the water very low, but it 



had a wonderful steadying effect, because the side 
sections served as wings to prevent lateral sway- 
ing. 

The crossing and the return were made without 
accident, and the sections returned and fixed in 
place, and the wagon was now completed for the 
journey. 

A considerable quantity of the barley flour was 
ground, and both honey and cane sugar taken in 
the vessels which had been recovered from the 
cave. The ammunition was stored in four boxes at 
convenient places within the body, and the little 
metal stove, with the cooking utensils, located near 


224 


THE TRIBESMEN 


the rear end, where they could be conveniently 
taken out and returned. 

The three sleeping mattresses were stored in 
the bottom of the body, near the forward end, and 
as the sides of the body were three feet high, it 
can be understood that there was an abundance of 
room for them, and for the other things which 
were carried along for their convenience and com- 
fort. 

Everything was bustle and rush. Angel was as 
busy as the rest. It was his joy to carry things 
to the wagon, at George’s behest, and when the 
hour for starting came, and the house was about 
to be locked, he rushed into the room, before George 
could close it, and mount to the rafters. 

George followed his movements without a word. 
He was back in an instant with the little mirror 
which George had given him some weeks before. 
It was the only time he had taken it down or 
brought it within sight of those around him. 

With this treasure in his hand he scrambled to 
the wagon, and found a secure place in the top 
bows of the wagon, and then hung on the rear 
bow and waited for the start. He loved these 
jaunts in the wagon, and they had been frequently 
made during the past four weeks, but he had never 
taken the mirror. How did he know that they 
were going for a journey? 

With a good-by to their herd, the jolly party of 
boys began the trail through the forests, this time 
not for the love of adventure, or to learn what 
they had about them, but to relieve their fellows 
and to be of service to the benighted people who 
were their neighbors. 


TEAILING A WAEEING PAETY 225 


As in former times, the Professor cautioned 
them against haste during the initial portion of 
the journey, and until they became accustomed to 
the rough part of the work. Much of the time 
during the first few days could be devoted to hunt- 
ing, so as to get a good supply of food, which^ 
later on, might be of great service to them. 

The course decided on was to go directly west, 
and after entering the forest to move southward 
ly until the South Eiver was reached, and thus 
pass the falls. Ealph and George had never been 
in that section of the island, and all were desir- 
ous of again visiting the spot where so many of 
their experiences had taken place, and in a region 
that gave them the most startling surprises and 
mysteries, some of which were not yet unraveled. 

Shortly after the noonday hour the roaring of 
the falling water was distinctly heard, and the 
boys hurried forward to see it, followed by the 
wagon. 

“Here is the place we found the lifeboat — the 
one we have at Cataract — right across the river, 
near that tree. A little farther up we’ll show you 
where we put our boat — that is the one we started 
out with to explore the river, and the one which 
disappeared.” 

While passing up toward the falls, John stopped 
suddenly at a mass of the driftwood, and called 
to Tom, who was nearest, “Pull that log over; I 
want to see what this is.” 

Tom obeyed at once, and while he held up the 
log indicated, John, after considerable exertion, 
drew forth a smaller log, which had evidently been 
cut oft with some dull tool, and when Harry came 


226 


THE TEIBESMEN 


to the rescue the entire log was extricated, and all 
saw a piece of rope attached, and the indication 
at two places where evidently it had been in scrap- 
ing contact with some other timbers. 

“Did you see the rope?” asked the Professor^ 
“before the log attracted you?” 

“No; the end of the log could not have been 
broken off in that manner, and when it was drawn 
out the rope followed.” 

“It is the same kind of rope we found on our 
boat at the beach. The boat, as you remember, 
was left by us a little above this place.” 

“I do not remember ever having been here be- 
fore,” answered John. 

They had forgotten that John visited the place 
before he had recovered his memory. 

The log was evidence that some one above the 
falls used it as a raft, and from its position could 
not have been there many months, and probably 
was washed there at the time of the last severe 
rains about ten weeks previously. 

John removed the rope, and put it in the wagon, 
and the boys noted the approving manner of the 
Professor as he did this. 

They passed up around the falls, and camped 
for the night on the bank of the river. In the 
morning the stream was followed for ten miles, 
and the Professor stated that, owing to the rough 
character of the country adjacent to the stream, it 
would be advisable to leave the valley and pass 
to the right. 

During one of the previous trips they were com- 
pelled to do this, but that brought them to a dense 


TEAILING A WAREING PARTY 227 

forest, which was almost impenetrable in many 
places, and they had to avoid this also. 

Before evening this forest appeared in view, and 
a halt was called for the purpose of reconnoitering 
the position, and to ascertain if it could not be 
avoided. John and Ralph made a long trip to the 
north, and it was found that it extended in that 
direction too far to make the long detour. 

^‘As the forest will be a very trying course to 
take, I suggest that we turn directly south and 
either cross the river or investigate the country 
on the other side in the direction of the mountains. 
We have never gone there, and it is likely the 
country is not as rough, and what little wood is 
in that neighborhood may not impede us much.” 

The suggestion was followed, and before night 
they again encamped on the shore of South River. 

‘^Before taking the team across let us make an 
investigation for several miles, at least to see 
the traveling conditions, and if Ralph will accom- 
pany me, it will be no difficulty to get back in time 
for a fairly early start.” 

Ralph was only too willing to accompany John, 
and a raft was improvised for the occasion, and 
they plunged into the rising ground beyond. As 
they advanced it was apparent that the surface 
was much better than at any part of the journey 
from the falls, and the return journey was made 
as quickly as possible. 

After crossing, the river was followed for a time, 
and then the rising ground was considered more 
favorable, and good time was made during the 
day. At the end of the second day the encamp- 
ment was made for the night by the side of a little 


228 


THE TEIBESMEN 


stream which flowed from the mountains to the 
left of their course. 

During the previous nights Angel was quiet, 
but as darkness set in his uneasiness gave George 
suflScient information to indicate some trouble, and 
the boys attributed it to the presence of the wild 
animals, which they knew abounded on the south 
side of the stream. 

Two were delegated to watch during the night, 
and at recurring intervals Angel manifested alarm. 
From midnight until the break of day he was con- 
stantly awake, and showed his alarm, but when it 
was daylight a hurried survey of the immediate 
locality betrayed no signs of an enemy. 

Within a mile of their camp they came across a 
camp fire, around which was strewn the bones 
which were left from the feast. The Professor 
and John were up in an instant and carefully ex- 
amined the litter surrounding the fire, as well as 
the indications of footprints. The latter were 
unmistakable at many places, and both announced 
that the savages had been there, beyond ques- 
tion. 

This meant the appointment of a scouting party 
for tho advance of the team, and John took this 
duty on himself, stipulating that the different 
boys should alternately accompany him, and thus 
adapt themselves to the serious work that scouting 
meant. 

Harry was the first detailed to go with him, and 
at intervals he would go back and signal the team 
to follow, so that they made fair time along the 
immediate vicinity of the stream, and thus pro- 


TEAILING A WAERING PARTY 229 


gressed with some speed, in what now appeared 
to be the country where the savages lurked. 

In the march John found numerous marks of 
the savages, and before noon was halted at the 
remains of a fire still glowing, that the savages 
had quitted not an hour before. 

^^How many do you think are in the party f’ 

‘^Not more than a half dozen.” 

“It seems to me we ought to stop a day, so they 
could get ahead of us, or we might run into them.” 

“I am making every effort to catch up with 
them. We are out to meet the savages, and the 
sooner we get a chance at them the better it will 
be.” 

Harry had not taken that view of it, and con- 
cluded John’s plan was the proper thing to fol- 
low out. 

“I think myself it would be better to meet a half 
dozen than the whole tribe.” But that, even, was 
no t J ohn’ s purpo se. 

When they reached the wagon, after the glow- 
ing camp fire had been discovered, John hurriedly 
gave his views: “The band is in our immediate 
vicinity. If we hurry up we can catch up with 
them before night. I have trailed them now for 
three hours. I will continue the pursuit as fast 
as possible, and it would be well to follow me as 
fast as the yaks can be driven through the brush. 
We must meet them and capture them before they 
reach their main band, so that we can get such 
information as they may have for our guidance.” 

John, Harry and Ralph now plunged forward, 
so that the two boys would enable him to make 
a chain of information back to the wagon, and 


230 


THE TEIBESMEN 


it was understood that the moment they were 
sighted, the wagon was to be hurried forward to 
the spot selected by John. 

It was not anticipated that the band would be 
numerous enough to require them to establish their 
traveling fort, and the sole object was to capture 
one or more of the savages in the first engage- 
ment. 

For some reason John did not report sighting 
them during the entire afternoon, and they were 
again compelled to camp without getting a sight 
of the enemy. On this occasion the fort was put 
up, but no attempt was made to light a fire. 

As soon as darkness set in, John motioned to 
Tom to follow him, and together they quietly made 
their way to the southwest, in the direction of the 
trail they had followed during the day. 

Within an hour both returned, and announced 
that the camp had been discovered to the front 
and right of their position, and George and Tom 
went in that direction, after being cautioned by 
John to observe the strictest care not to disturb 
them by approaching too close. 

The Professor and John had a long conference 
as to the wisest course under the circumstances. 
‘T am of the opinion that we should never allow 
them to leave that camp,” was John^s observa- 
tion, because we are in a much better position to 
dictate to them during the hours of darkness, if 
we surround them.” 

‘^My only doubts about that plan maybe summed 
up as follows: We can easily defeat them in a 
hand-to-hand fight ; but we do not want to slaugh- 
ter them. If we can make them captives we shall 


TEAILING A WAEEING PAETY 231 


have a strong lever to work with in treating with 
the main band. In the night time it is always 
a hazardous enterprise, and we cannot afford to 
risk the lives of the boys.” 

^^Then,” John responded, ^let us wait until 
morning, and before the sun is up we can sur- 
round their position, and when it is light enough 
to see approach them from the six quarters and 
demand surrender.” 

like that suggestion better than the other. 
It looks like a safe plan, and it will prevent need- 
less bloodshed, without risking the lives of any^ 
unless they show a bitter fight.” 

When the two boys returned the decision to sur- 
round the camp before daybreak was announced, 
and the night was a long, long period of anxiety 
to them. They had no fear of the results, nor 
would either hesitate for a moment to engage in 
it, because all had become seasoned with the per- 
ils of the past year. 

It was the unexpected, the exhilaration of know- 
ing that they had the strength to attack the sav- 
ages, that made them restless and to long for the 
morning hours. 

The first appearance of the slightest gray in 
the east was the signal for preparation. 

John led the way. As they were starting, John 
said: “This is a most important step, because if 
we succeed we may be able to dictate to at least 
one tribe, and that tribe the most powerful and 
vindictive on the island. When we approach 
within a certain distance the Professor, Harry and 
Tom will remain at the spot selected, and you, 
Ealph and George must follow me. In order 


232 


THE TRIBESMEN 


that you may know the plans fully, I will state 
that together we three will turn to the left and 
make a detour through the woods around their po- 
sition, and I will leave Ralph at one point in the 
circle, and with George follow around to a point 
exactly opposite this place, when he will go on 
around the camp toward your direction. 

^^When you think we have about reached the 
positions indicated, Harry will take up his posi- 
tion to the left of the Professor, in the circle, and 
Tom to the right, so that our respective positions 
will be in this order : First, the Professor, then in 
order to the left, Harry, Ralph, myself, George 
and Tom. 

^^Each has two guns, and I have also the pisfbl. 
The signal will be the firing of the pistol. The 
moment you hear that all must rush forward in 
the direction of the camp, and I will endeavor to 
reach the open so as to attract them first and 
demand their surrender. After you have shown 
yourselyes, do not advance until I give the word, 
but have your guns ready in case they attempt to 
make any resistance.” 

The party stole forward carefully, and the Pro- 
fessor with the two boys waited a sufficient time 
to be sure they had selected the proper places in 
the circle, when Ralph appeared, and held up his 
hand in token of silence, and all he said was: 
^‘Back to the wagon as quickly as possible.” 

The ^^Capture and Pursuit” will relate some of 
the most thrilling scenes in the entire history of 
Wonder Island, following the adventure here re- 
lated. 


GLOSSARY OF WORDS 


USED IN TEXT 


Archeological. 

Attributed. 

Amalgam. 

Accretion. 

Antiquity. 

Anticipation. 

Analysis. 

Aphasia. 

Abruptly. 

Admonished. . 

Alacrity. 

Animated. 

Attribute. 

Aspiration. 

Benighted. 

Bolero. 

Brandished. 

Caches. 

Castilian. 

Calcareous. 

Celerity. 

Celestial. 

Cereal. 

Chaparral. 

Cotillion. 

Cosack. 

Contracted. 

Conformation. 

Concerted. 

Confirmation. 

Consternation. 

Constellation. 

Complication. 

Coincidence. 


Pertaining to the study of man, or of relics. 

To describe as belonging to; to refer, as an effect to 
.a cause. 

The unity of any metal with mercury. 

To add to; an addition. 

Ancient. In olden times. 

The looking forward to the future. 

To separate ; to find out the principal parts. 

The term used to define the loss of memory. 

To cut off short; at once; speedily. 

Warned; advised beforehand. 

Quickly; without delay. 

Lively, or quickened action. 

A quality; as a kind act. 

A desire; a wish for another condition or state. 

Not advanced, or civilized. 

A Spanish dance illustrative of the passion of love. 

A motion of the arms or body; the menacing motion 
of a weapon. 

A hidden or concealed spot. 

Pertaining to the Spanish. 

Lime formation. 

With speed. 

Pertaining to the heavens. 

Any edible grass, seed or grain. 

A thick tangle of shrubbery or brush. 

A square dance for four couples. 

A Russian dance. 

Made, smaller; reduced, compass. 

In the same form ; in the like manner. 

By agreement; all together. 

A proven fact or thing. 

Awe inspiring; fearful. 

An arbitraiy assemblage or group of stars, or a 
portion of the heavens occupied by such group. 
Mixed up; without an intelligent or designed ar- 
rangement. 

One thing happening with another. 

233 


234 


THE TRIBESMEN 


Commodious. 

Contend. 

Corrosive 

sublimate. 

Crouching. 

Cracovienna, 

Crucial. 

Derision. 

Devolved. 

Decomposition. 

Depletion. 

Denuded. 

Disposition. 

Discerned. 

Discomfiture. 

Discarded. 

Diversion. 

Disclose. 

Disseminated. 

Disdain. 

Disjointed. 

Divined. 

Disquieting. 

Domesticated. 

Economic. 

Effective. 

Egotistic. 

Exhilarating. 

Elude. 

Enigma. 

Emaciated. 

Emergency. 

Equinoctial. 

Eventually. 

Extricated. 

Factions. 

Faculty. 

Fandango. 

Facility. 

Fixed star. 

Flanking. 

Foundering. 

Gangue. 

Gallopade. 

Geologist. 

Genial. 


Ample in size. Very large. 

To argue in favor of. 

A deadly poison; sulphid of mercury. 

A low-bending attitude. 

A graceful Polish dance. 

The test; trying; decisive. 

To make the object of mockery or ridicule. 

To throw the burden on. To assume the responsi- 
bility. 

To change; to put into its original form. 

To take away from. To lessen. 

To uncover. 

To make the arrangements for. 

Discovered; noticed. 

Being beaten. 

Thrown away ; to dispense with. 

To do something different; otherwise. 

To show; to inform concerning. 

To spread broadcast. 

To look down upon. 

Not in good condition; all awry. 

Understood; having knowledge of. 

Not at ease. 

Tamed; not wild, or in a wild state. 

Pertaining to the means or methods of living well. 
Well organized. Strong. 

Having a good opinion of one’s self. 

Joyful; brightening; happy condition. 

To evade; to circumvent. 

Concealed; difficult to comprehend. 

Thin from want of food. 

The appointed time for a difficult matter. 

Referring to the time when the sun passes the celes- 
tial equator. 

Finally; when a certain time has arrived. 

To rescue from. 

Parties; tribes; clans. 

That quality or attribute of the mind or body, like 
intelligence or strength. 

A Spanish dance in triple time. 

Ease; without difficulty. 

A heavenly body, supposedly like our sun, aroimd 
which certain planets revolve. 

Going around; at the sides. 

To sink, or to plunge downwardly. 

The dross matter in ore. 

A brisk German dance in rapid measure. 

One who studies the structure of the earth. 

A pleasant disposition. 


GLOSSARY 


235 


Gravity. 

Guttural. 

Guardian. 

Harassment. 

Hemisphere. 

Heralded. 

Hornpipe. 

Horizontal. 

Hoodoos. 


Hypnotism. 

Impervious. 

Imbued. 

Impenetrable. 

Intricate. 

Installed. 

Interpreted. 

Inevitable. 

Incessant. 

Indescribable. 

Inflamed. 

Intuition. 

Inaction. 

Integral. 

Impetuosity. 

Iodide. 

Jungle fever. 

Jig- 

Lashed. 

Loathsome. 

Matured. 

Magnitude. 

Mazurka. 


Merge. 

Mechanically. 

Metallurgical. 

Minuet. 

Mimicry. 


The attraction of mass for mass. 

A sound issuing forth from the lower part of the 
throat. 

An individual appointed to care for the person of a 
minor. 

To cause difficulties, troubles or worries. 

One half of a globe. 

To advertise; to notify; to inform. 

A very lively English country dance for one person. 

A line at right angles to the center of the earth. 
The surface of water is horizontal. 

Coined from the cry “hoo” of a child, and the Scotch, 
word “doo,” meaning the cry of the dove. The gen- 
eral meaning now being low characters. 

That quality which enables certain persons from in- 
fluencing others by some power of the mind. 

Of such a character that water will not go through. 

To instill in; to convince. 

So that it cannot be passed through or into. 

Not easily solved. Difficult to understand. 

Set up; put into order. Built up. 

Made plain. To decipher a foreign tongue. 

Bound to come to pass; the natural course of events. 

Continually; without stopping. 

Difficult to explain or set forDi. 

To become heated; usually applied to a wound in 
the process of healing. 

The condition of the mind where conditions are easily 
understood without explanations. 

Not active; not disposed to take part. 

The principal element. A part of. Constituting a 
completed whole. 

Being prompt; quick. 

A compound or salt in which iodine is used. 

A malarial or intermittent fever, well knowTi in 
Africa and India. 

A light gay dance with a very lively music. 

Beaten with a whip. 

Exciting extreme aversion or disgust. 

Complete in the mind; a perfect plant, flower, fruit. 

Largeness ; immensity. 

A lively round dance resembling the polka, intended 
for four or eight couples, based on the Polish na- 
tional dance. 

To assimilate; to go into; to come together. 

Done with precision; partaking of mechanism. 

Pertaining to the study of minerals. 

A stately dance in triple measure, dating from the 
17 th century. 

To imitate in a comical way. 


236 


THE TEIBESMEN 


Morose. 

Monotonous. 

Momentarily. 

Monsoon. 

Negative. 

Nitrate. 

Nonchalant. 

Nonplussed. 

Numerically. 

Nutritious. 

Obeisance. 

Obliterate. 

Orgy. 

Ostentatiously. 

Quadrille. 

Quarantine. 

Pathetic. 

Parallelogram. 

Petrified. 

Ostentatiously. 

Perturbations. 

Perchance. 

Piracy. 

Physics. 

Posture. 

Portentous. 

Propounded. 

Proficient. 

Precipitated. 

Primitive. 

Prolific. 

Providential. 

Protestations. 

Precipitous. 

Predisposed. 

Precautionary. 

Psychological. 

Pamie. 

Rankling. 


Not a happy or bright disposition. 

Without change; in one tone; a continual similarity. 
For the instant; immediately. 

A terrible wind that blows in the southern hemi- 
sphere at regular intervals. 

No; the opposite of yes; not decisive. 

A salt of nitric acid. 

A state of mind indicating lack of interest. 
Confused or disconcerted. 

Considered from the standpoint of numbers. 
Anything that has the quality of sustaining life, as 
a food. 

An act of courtesy. 

To wipe out; to destroy. 

Wild or wanton revelry. 

Open; to be readily seen. 

A square dance for four couples, dating from the 
18 th century. 

A system of police and medical regulations, estab- 
lished at frontiers and ports. 

Arousing tender emotions. 

A figure longer than its width, with the two oppo- 
site sides parallel with each other. 

Turned into stone, literally; seemingly rigid. 

Having the appearance of doing certain things. 
Disturbances. Worried. 

By the waj", a chance happening. 

On the high seas an act of robbery, or unlawful tak- 
ing of goods. 

The science of energy. That which treats of the 
phenomena of all matter. 

Position; condition. 

Important; making a show; greater than ordinary. 
An offer; a question. 

Ability; well equipped. 

Tlirown down; settlings; coming from above. 

The first; original way of doing a thing. 

Many; a great variety. * 

Very, fortunate ; a happening of great value or im- 
portance at the right time. 

To assert earnestly. 

Quick action ; doing without waiting. 

Having the desire beforehand; a set opinion. 

Acting slowly and wisely; taking advantage of some- 
thing ahead of the time to act. 

Pertaining to the science of the human soul and its 
operations. 

A fibrous plant, used in making fabrics of various 
kinds. 

A feeling of resentment. 


GLOSSAEY 


237 


Restrain. 

Reminiscence. 

Recuperated. 

Redowa. 

Reciprocating. 

Remote. 

Relentless. 

Restoration. 

Rodent. 

Sanhedrin. 


Scrutiny. 

Segmental. 


Secluded. 

Shrouds. 


Spasmodic. 

Sortie. 

Spectrum. 

Stoically. 

Strenuous. 

Stipulate. 

Stupefied. 

Stanchion. 

Sulphate. 

Superficially. 

Tarantella. 

Tension. 

Tendon. 

Temporary. 

Terminated. 

Tenacity. 

Theodolite. 


To hold back; trying to prevent action. 

Recalling matters; remembrance of things in the 
past. 

Physically better; recovery from illness. 

A round dance that originated in Bohemia; the 
music of which is in quick, triple time. 

Gk)ing back and forth. The piston rod of an engine 
reciprocates. 

Far away; a long time ago. 

Determination which cannot be stayed. 

To bring back; to recover health. 

Animals of the rat variety. v 

A Jewish council and tribunal, in existence until 
about A. D. 425. The Great Sanhedrin had 71 
priests, scribes and elders. 

Examination; visual investigation; glance. 

Pertaining to a three-sided body; or one portion of 
an orange, as an illustration, wherein one of the 
split-up parts is called a segment. 

Hidden; carefully kept out of sight. 

One of the stout ropes, often made of wire, that are 
stretched from the mast-head of a vessel to the 
sides or to the rims of a top, serving as a means 
of ascent and as lateral stays for the mast. 

Not regular ; in fits. 

A term applied to rushing tactics in battle. 

The term applied to the scientific division of the 
light rays projected from an object. 

A brave exhibition during pain, or when unfortu- 
nate; bearing up bravely. 

Vigorous; working diligently. 

Making an arrangement; a contract, or parts of an 
agreement. 

Rendered dumb or speechless for a time. 

A standard, post, or other upright. 

A metal having sulphur as its principal element in 
combination. 

On the surface; not well considered. 

A lively Neapolitan dance in triplets for one couple. 

Stretched; a mind under stress. 

The strong band or cord of connective tissue forming 
the connections of the fleshy portions of the muscle. 

For the time being only; for a little while. 

Ended; the stopping of a certain thing. 

Strong; fixed in purpose. 

A. portable instrument for measuring horizontal and 
vertical lines. It comprises a telescope and a grad- 
uated circle, showing degrees. 


238 

Toggle. 


Traversed. 

Transit. 

Trophy. 

Tribute. 

Tributary. 

Veered. 

Vindictive. 

Volatilized. 


THE TRIBESMEN 

A pin or short rod, properly attached in the middle 
as to a chain or rope, and designed to hold some- 
thing by being passed through a hole or eye. 

Gone over ; traveled over that area. 

Passed ; going by. 

Something captured; usually applied to spoils in 
■war. 

A compliment; a reward. 

Something which applies as a smaller to a greater; 
as a small stream which flows into a greater. 

Changed in direction ; going aside. 

Bitter ; hostile ; with a desire for revenge. 

Changed from a solid into a gas. 


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